Family Support Advisers
Confidentiality and Information Sharing Policy
Confidentiality
Family Support Advisers (FSAs) are part of the school staff whose role is to provide
‘non-critical’ support and advice for parents and children who are part of the school
community. In some circumstances they may have access to or be given highly sensitive or
private information. All FSAs will treat information they receive about adults, children and
young people in a discreet and confidential manner at all times and will only share
information about families as detailed below.
Information Sharing
Information may be shared between professionals providing services and the Family
Support Adviser when:
1) this will be of benefit to the parents and children being assisted by the FSA and
informed consent to do so has been obtained. Every effort will be made to ensure
that it has been explained why information has or will be shared, with whom and for
what purpose when we ask for your informed consent to share information.
2) to ensure adequate support for the FSA, discussion is required with their line
manager in a supervision setting.
The following exceptions will apply:

If information needs to be shared without consent i.e. in the event of a Child
Protection concern (see below); to access emergency medical treatment; if
there is suspicion of criminal activity or a crime has been committed; if a Court
orders information has to be shared.

If the information has been made anonymous. The Data Protection Act places
no restrictions on the disclosure of information which does not identify
individuals and depersonalised data can be used for information sharing.

Where case studies are used, details will be changed to protect the identities of
the people involved. However, permission will be sought wherever possible.

Where permission has already been obtained from the people concerned to
share information. In the case of young children, parental or legal guardian’s
consent will be obtained. Any limitations to consent will be clearly noted and
respected as will any changes made.
Information will be kept in a secure place. In the case of paper documentation this
will be held in lockable storage. Electronic information will be held on password
protected computers/servers.
Consent to share information can be withdrawn at any time by the parent, but this
may limit the support that can be offered.
Concerns and allegations
Any safeguarding concerns or allegations regarding a child or adult, for example if
you think there is abuse, harm or neglect, should be treated as confidential and passed
to the school’s Child Protection Co-ordinator or a senior manager without delay.
All allegations of harm or potential harm must be acted upon. Explain to the adult or child
that you will share this information with a senior member of staff in order to help them, and
that it will be kept confidential. Listen carefully and believe what is being said and take it
seriously. Do not confront the abuser. Reassure the child or adult that they have done the
right thing in telling. Do not ask leading or probing questions. Do not promise to keep
secrets, or request this under any circumstances.
Breaches
Breaches of confidentiality will be treated as a serious matter. Procedures for
addressing perceived breaches will be dealt with using the school’s complaints
procedure.
Requests for information
At any time an individual can contact the school and request records of the
information the school holds which pertains to them, using their right under the Data
Protection Act 1998. These requests will be dealt with using the school guidelines.
They will not have access to information about any other parent or child.
For more information
The Family Support Adviser should seek advice from a senior member of staff or nominated
child protection person if they are in any doubt about sharing information they hold or which
has been requested of them.
Version 2: 2/1/09