Information, Information, Information: How and when to collect it, keep it and pass it on
This useful briefing gives an overview of key issues around data protection, collection, storing and sharing that may affect voluntary sector social care service providers. Issues around the appropriate handling of information are of great importance to all voluntary sector care providers, whether as part of their contractual relationships with Local Authorities, inspection processes by regulators or as required by legislation and guidance to encourage information sharing. In recognition of the difficulties faced by providers in making sure that they are able to pass on information which other organisations need, while at the same time protecting the rights of staff and service users to have personal information kept private, CCPS organised an event in late 2005 to discuss issues including: collecting and storing information on service users and staff, information sharing with other organisations and what Local Authorities can reveal about contracts under Freedom of Information. This briefing summarises presentations made by Sarah Hutchison, Head of Policy and Information, Office of the Scottish Information Commissioner, Kenneth Macdonald, Assistant Commissioner for Scotland, UK Information Commissioner's Office and Kerr Donaldson, Data Standards Manager, Data Sharing and Standards Division, Scottish Executive.
