Information Commissioner urges social service providers to promote responsible sharing data to safeguard children

The Information Commissioner’s Office has launched a “myth-busting campaign” to demonstrate how data protection law can help social services providers to share personal information when required to safeguard children and young people.

The ICO said that when organisations partner with the regulator, they will work closely with it to distribute the ‘Think. Check. Share.’ resources and ensure the information reaches their frontline staff working closely with children every day.

The regulator has created a toolkit of free resources to promote responsible data sharing, including posters, videos, infographics and content for social media. When joining the campaign, organisations can either add their logo to existing materials or create new co-branded materials if required.

The ICO said it is actively looking for local authorities and social service providers to get involved “and help to distribute these vital messages to their staff”.

The campaign follows a 10-step practical guide published in September 2023, which outlines how organisations can safely and lawfully share information to safeguard children from physical, emotional or mental harm.

John Edwards, Information Commissioner, said: “Safeguarding children is everyone’s responsibility. We understand that frontline workers in social services are sometimes nervous about sharing personal data and the potential consequences this may have. However, if there are concerns that a child is at risk, organisations and their staff need to know they can share personal data to protect that child without falling foul of data protection law.

“Through our work with local organisations, we want to help improve child safeguarding by ensuring those working with children are empowered to share data in an appropriate, safe and lawful way.”