From 30th September 2026, a new statutory Information Sharing Duty comes into force in England under section 16LA of the Children Act 2004. Information sharing is not new. The new duty strengthens the expectation to share relevant information where this may help to safeguard or promote a child’s welfare. Good information sharing is good safeguarding.
What does this mean for Girls’ Brigade?
During your Girls’ Brigade role, you may become aware of information about a child, young person, adult, parent, carer, colleague or volunteer that could be relevant to a child’s welfare.
Ask yourself:
- Could this information help safeguard or support a child?
- Could it help another professional understand risk or need?
- Who needs to know?
- What information is relevant and proportionate to share?
- Could not sharing leave a child at greater risk?
You do not need to wait for another agency to ask for information before raising a safeguarding concern.
Think family – think all-age
If you are supporting an adult, ask: “Is there a child or young person connected to this person who could be affected by what I know?” Information about domestic abuse, mental ill health, substance misuse, violence, exploitation, abuse, neglect or other vulnerabilities may also be important to the safety and welfare of children within the family.
Do not consider adult and children’s safeguarding in isolation.
Remember: Data protection is not a barrier to safeguarding. Consent should be considered, but it is not always required where there is an appropriate lawful basis for sharing information.
Share information that is: Relevant • Necessary • Proportionate • Accurate • Timely • Secure
Do not automatically share everything, share what is needed for the safeguarding purpose.
| Seven Golden Rules | |||
| 1. | Data protection is not a barrier | Data protection is not a barrier to safeguarding. | |
| 2. | Be open and honest | Be open and honest where it is safe and appropriate. | |
| 3. | Seek advice | Seek advice if you are unsure. | |
| 4. | Consider consent | Consider consent but recognise it is not always required. | |
| 5. | Consider safety and wellbeing | Keep the child's safety and wellbeing central. | |
| 6. | Share appropriately | Share relevant, necessary, proportionate and secure information. | |
| 7. | Record your decision | Record what was shared, why, when and with whom. | |
| What Should Girls’ Brigade People Do? | |||
| NOTICE | recognise information that may indicate a safeguarding concern. | ||
| THINK | consider the child, the wider family and who else may need to know. | ||
| SHARE | share relevant and proportionate information appropriately. | ||
| REPORT | follow safeguarding procedures and complete a report where required. | ||
| RECORD | concerns, decisions, information shared and actions clearly and factually. | ||
| SEEK ADVICE | if you are unsure about safeguarding, consent, confidentiality or information sharing, contact the Girls' Brigade Support Centre by emailing [email protected] |
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Share the right information, with the right people, at the right time, for the right purpose. Your information could be the piece that helps others understand what is happening for a child.
