Setting the scene
Many practitioners tell us that one of the biggest challenges when sharing information is balancing their safeguarding responsibilities with maintaining positive relationships with children, young people and families.
A common misconception is that information cannot be shared without consent, or that sharing information against a family's wishes will automatically damage trust. The Information Sharing Duty Statutory Guidance makes clear that consent, confidentiality and information sharing are often misunderstood. In many situations, practitioners can and should share information where it is necessary to safeguard a child or promote their welfare, even where consent has not been obtained.
The guidance encourages practitioners to be open and honest with families wherever possible. However, it also reminds us that transparency is not the same as consent. Sharing information safely and appropriately is often a key part of helping children receive the support and protection they need.
What to do in practice
Every practitioner will have conversations with children, young people or parents about information sharing. You may have heard statements such as:
"You can't tell anyone without my permission."
"I don't consent to you sharing that."
"If I tell you this, will you keep it confidential?"
"You'll damage the relationship if you share that information."
The Information Sharing Duty Statutory Guidance helps practitioners understand how to respond confidently to these situations. It explains that good safeguarding practice is not about choosing between maintaining trust and sharing information. Instead, it is about being transparent, respectful and child-focused while making decisions that support safety and wellbeing.
As a practitioner, it is important to understand:
- consent is not usually the legal basis for sharing information for safeguarding and welfare purposes
- families should be informed about information sharing wherever it is safe and appropriate to do so
- concerns about damaging relationships should not prevent necessary information sharing
- trust is often strengthened when practitioners are honest and transparent about their responsibilities
Be clear about your role from the start
One of the best ways to maintain trust is to be honest from the beginning about how information may be used and shared.
Practice tip
When working with children and families:
- Explain your safeguarding responsibilities
- Be clear about situations where information may need to be shared
- Avoid making promises of absolute confidentiality
- Help families understand how information sharing supports children and young people's safety and wellbeing
Understand the difference between consent and transparency
Being transparent means explaining:
- what information may be shared
- who it may be shared with
- why information sharing may be necessary
- how sharing may help provide support or protection
Transparency supports trust. It does not mean that practitioners must obtain permission before sharing information where there is another lawful basis to do so.
Practice tip
Ask yourself:
- Have I explained my reasons clearly?
- Have I listened to the family's views?
- Have I been open about what may happen next?
Being transparent helps families feel involved, even when they disagree with the decision.
Don't allow objections to prevent necessary information sharing
Families may sometimes object to information being shared. While those views should be listened to and considered, they should not automatically determine the outcome.
The guidance makes clear that practitioners must continue to consider what is in the child's best interests and whether information sharing may help safeguard or promote their welfare.
Practice tip
When someone objects to information sharing:
- Listen carefully to their concerns
- Consider whether sharing remains necessary and proportionate
- Explain your reasoning clearly
- Record the discussion and your decision-making
- Keep the child's welfare at the centre of your decision
Recognise that trust is built through honesty
Practitioners sometimes worry that sharing information will damage professional relationships. The guidance recognises this concern but emphasises that trusted relationships are built through openness, consistency and honesty.
Children and families are more likely to trust professionals when they:
- explain their responsibilities clearly
- communicate openly
- act consistently
- focus on the child's needs and wellbeing
Practice tip
Rather than saying: "I won't tell anyone."
Consider saying: "I'll treat what you've told me carefully and respectfully. If I think someone else needs to know in order to help keep you safe or get you the support you need, I'll explain that to you and tell you what will happen next."
This approach supports transparency while maintaining trust.
When discussing information sharing with children and families:
- Be honest about your safeguarding responsibilities from the outset
- Be transparent about when and why information may need to be shared
- Understand that transparency is not the same as consent
- Listen to and consider the views of children and families
- Focus on the child's welfare and best interests when making decisions
- Record discussions, concerns and decision-making clearly
Key message
Maintaining trusted relationships and sharing information appropriately are not competing responsibilities. Practitioners should be transparent, respectful and honest with children and families wherever possible, while recognising that consent is not usually required for safeguarding and welfare-related information sharing. By keeping the child's welfare at the centre of decision-making and communicating openly, practitioners can maintain trust while ensuring children and young people receive the support and protection they need.
What more can I learn, and how will that help me to share information safely?
30 Minute learning activity
Write a short reflection on a time when you have shared information without consent.
How did you manage that, what went well and what might you have done differently if the information sharing guidance had been available to you at the time?