Recognising that most decisions to share information require professional judgment, this cross-Government guidance aims to improve practice by giving practitioners clearer guidance on when and how they can share information legally and professionally about an individual with whom they are in contact. It seeks to provide clarity on the legal framework for practitioners sharing information and give practitioners confidence in making decisions.

The guidance is for front-line practitioners who have to make decisions about sharing personal information on a case-by-case basis.

The guidance is for front-line practitioners from all sectors who have to make decisions about sharing personal information on a case-by-case basis, whether they are providing services to children, young people, adults and families. The guidance is also for managers and advisors who support these practitioners in their decision-making and for others with responsibility for information governance.

The guidance was developed in partnership between the DCSF with the Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) and in consultation with a wide range of practitioner, national organisations and representative bodies. It was cleared for publication by a Cabinet committee representing 14 different Government departments, including Department of Health, Home Office and Ministry of Justice. The guidance has been formally endorsed by 30 professional and representative bodies from across all sectors.

This guidance includes:

Information sharing: Guidance for practitioners and managers (available to download and to order in hard copy from the Every Child Matters: Online publications website) – gives practitioners clear practical guidance, drawing on experience and the public consultation.

Information sharing: Pocket guide (available from the Every Child Matters: Online publications website)* – a summary of the key decision-making considerations.

Information sharing: Case examples – a set of case examples which illustrate information sharing situations.

Information sharing: Further guidance on legal issues – a summary of the laws affecting information sharing in respect of children and young people, updated to reflect the 2008 version of the guidance.

Information sharing: Quick reference guide (available from the Every Child Matters: Online publications website) – a credit card sized tool containing the seven golden rules and the flowchart of key questions for information sharing from Information Sharing: Guidance for practitioners and managers.

Information Sharing: Endorsements and statements details of organisations who have formally endorsed the guidance and what they have said.