Confidentiality Essentials

As we build trust with people, they may confide in us and they may expect us to "keep secrets". Understand your responsibilities in handling confidential information and the principles that govern disclosure. Non-compliance with these guidelines can lead to disciplinary action, including dismissal, in line with Handcrafted's Disciplinary Procedures.

Key Principles

1. Respect and Discretion: Handle all sensitive information with respect for the individual and their wishes as far as possible.
2. Legal and Ethical Boundaries: Understand that you are legally required to share things disclosed to you under specific circumstances involving serious crimes or harm.
3. Limits of Confidentiality: Don't promise to keep a secret, and make sure the person making a disclosure to you knows that you may have to share some things with others.

When to Breach Confidentiality

Confidentiality may need to be breached in situations involving:

• Serious crimes (e.g., murder, rape, child abuse)
• Threats to public safety or state security
• Situations where serious harm to an individual is likely

Steps for Handling Sensitive Information

1. Obtain Consent: Where possible, encourage individuals to disclose information to appropriate authorities themselves.
2. Minimal Disclosure: Share the minimum necessary information and only with relevant parties.
3. Verbal Communication: Use verbal communication rather than digital channels to disclose sensitive information.
4. Documenting: Make secure and factual notes without using leading questions to gather details.

Responding to Disclosures

1. Immediate Danger: Contact the Crisis Team at 111 or emergency services at 999.
2. Non-Urgent Disclosures: Encourage individuals to speak to professionals and provide support without leading the conversation.
3. Historic Abuse: Support the individual in contacting relevant authorities and making secure records of the conversation.

Important Contacts:

• Safeguarding Officer: Dan Northover (07917 037479)
• Deputy Safeguarding Officer: Harry Jennings (07501 724686)
• Deputy Safeguarding Officer: Ruth Crichton (07585 847908)
• Social Care Direct: 0845 26 79 79
• Northumbria Police Child Protection Unit: 0191 4547555 ext. 66264/5/6
• thirtyone:eight Safeguarding Helpline: 0303 003 11 11
• Crisis Team: Call 111 and ask for the Crisis Team if someone is in immediate danger.
• Emergency Services: Dial 999 for police, ambulance, or fire services.

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