CCPS Home » HSEU Home » Information » Freedom of Information

Framework Code of Practice for Sharing Personal Information - October 2007

The Information Commissioner's Office has recently developed a framework code of practice for sharing personal information. In his forward Richard Thomas, Information Commissioner, acknowledges that sharing information 'can help make sure that the vulnerable are given the protection they need, that organisations can co-operate to deliver the care that those with complex needs rely on.' The framework has been developed to assist with managing the risks associated with information sharing particularly around personal privacy and public trust.

The framework is designed to encourage organisations to develop their own code of practice in order to approach information sharing in a consistent manner and to help decisions about information sharing to be made in a confident and professional manner.

The framework deals with situations where there are various agencies sharing information with each other. In this sort of case the Information Commissioner suggests that one code of practice be adopted to prevent any possible contradiction between individual codes.

The framework is divided into sections covering issues such as maintaining the security of confidential information once it is shared, the developing of Fair Process Notices to alert individuals how information about them is to be used as well as points to remember when asking for consent by an individual in order for information to be shared.