Confidentiality in Building and Sustaining Relationships

The Data collected may be passed onto interested parties but this

must be only the appropriate information. Schools hold lots of information

about pupils, staff and parents.

Confidentiality

A key component for relationship building and sustaining relationships

is confidentiality. Confidentiality in any workplace is of utmost

importance. It is an important right for every individual.

Confidentiality creates trust, respect and shows sensitivity. These

qualities are especially important in school as parents, staff and

children need to feel safe and secure. Safety and security can only

occur where trust, respect and sensitivity are present. Individuals

may not feel valued or able to hold their self esteem if private

details are passed onto others. Important information may not be

passed on if a breach of confidentiality is made. A professional

practice would maintain confidentiality at all times. It is a legal

requirement to keep individuals details confidential. This is

governed by the Data Protection Act 1984 and 1998, the Access to

Health Records Act 1990 and the Health Records Act 1990. The Data

Protection Act 1998 enforces eight principles of good practice

concerning data:

1. Personal data shall be processed fairly and lawfully;

2. Personal data shall be obtained only for one or more specified and

lawful purposes, and shall not be further processed in any manner

incompatible with that purpose or those purposes;

3. Personal data shall be adequate, relevant and not excessive in

relation to the purpose or purposes for which they are processed;

4. Personal data shall be accurate and, where necessary, kept up to

date;

5. Personal data processed for any purpose or purposes shal...

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playground, this would be dealing with the problem without breaking

child A’s confidence and losing their trust. There will be times when

someone speaks to you in confidence and you feel there may be a danger

but are not sure, speaking to a colleague or manager and asking for

their confidence would help in the decision making process.

From researching confidentiality it has become clear how important it

is to adhere to laws passed by various Acts. Staff should receive

training and know who to speak to in the event of a confidentiality

dilemma. At all times confidentiality should be maintained to offer a

professional service to clients, children, parents, carers and

colleagues.

REF:

AVCE Adavanced Health and Social Care- Heinemann – Editor Neil Moonie

BTEC National – Health Studies- Heinemann – Editor – Beryl Stretch

www.calderdale.gov.uk