What is Information Governance?

Information Governance is the term linking Data Protection, Caldicott, Information Security, Information Quality and Confidentiality. It recognises that these areas have significant overlap, and underpins development of a culture to handle information appropriately. To ensure that confidentiality, integrity (quality) and accessibility of information is maintained we offer support in the following areas;

• Education & awareness
• Query advice & resolution
• Advice on service development,
  operational change
• Sharing information - confidentiality dilemmas
• On-site visits and risk assessments

Information Sharing
Core Principles Agreement

Information sharing is a key enabler for the provision of effective services to individuals particularly where a co-ordinated approach across agencies is required. There are many routine flows of personal information between organisation and regular new developments that mean information is exchanged for new purposes and services. It is vital that all exchanges of personal information are fair, lawful and secure. If poorly managed it contributes to a failure to provide effective services, the potential to suffer a damaging loss of data, confidentiality breaches and privacy concerns for individuals.

In order to promote consistency the Information Sharing Protocol - Core Principles agreement (Version 8) has been developed for use where organisations need to share information. It supports organisations in considering necessary legal and regulatory controls where required as well as aiming to ensure that real benefit is made from information resources both for individuals and for the public as a whole.

This document sets out the top level commitment by all participating agencies to adhere to the principles, standards and directions defined within it. The commitment covers the sharing of personal information in any form by any method, including verbal, paper, recorded and electronic formats. The agreement provides a template for a second level agreement to be used where specific sharing is to take place, this will cover in detail how information is to be shared fairly, lawfully and in a transparent manner.

This agreement is complementary to other information sharing agreements that may be in place and does not replace such arrangements.

Any health and social care partner is invited to sign up to the Information Sharing Protocol - Core Principles agreement. If you would like to sign up please contact  scwcsu.igenquiries@nhs.net