Information Sharing and Confidentiality (1 day)

* Please note that this Draft Profile is generic in nature. A more detailed profile would be submitted after discussion with the person commissioning this training event so as to reflect more specific organisational requirements

It is widely acknowledged that no one organisation can meet all the needs of service users/customers. Partnership working and liaison with other agencies is essential to the provision of holistic and seamless support; however, our work must be guided and informed by relevant legislation and good practice in the sharing of information.

This course gives participants an overview of relevant legislation and practical information to guide and inform their day-to-day practice with regards to information sharing and confidentiality with a range of individuals and organisations; including service users, families of service users, carers/supporters, professionals etc.

Learning objectives:

By the end of this course participants should be able to understand:

• What is meant by ‘Confidentiality’
• Why it is important to have a Confidentiality Policy
• How the ‘Duty of Care’ affects confidentiality
• What is meant by disclosure on a “Need to Know” basis
• What is meant by ‘Informed consent’
• What effective partnership working requires and the barriers that often need to be confronted
• The potential consequences of poor practice
• Professional Guidelines (inc. BASW Code of Practice & the Code of Practice for Social Carers)
• How relevant legislation and organisational policies impact on their day-to-day work: e.g.
        -The Data Protection Act
        -The Mental Capacity Act
        -The Human Rights Act
        -Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards
• Crime & Disorder Reduction Partnerships
• The organisation’s policies and guidelines. To include:
        -Safe storage
        -Access
        -Timescales for holding records
        -Archiving
etc.

Training methods:

This potentially ‘dry’ subject will be approached in a highly interactive way so as to provide a stimulating and effective learning experience for attendees. A series of participative exercises will be undertaken to maximise interest.

Methods will include:
• Energisers
• Tutor presentations
• ‘Chalk & talk’
• Handouts
• Small group work
• Group discussion
• Word shower method
• Case studies/Scenarios
• OHP/PowerPoint