The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has launched a campaign to encourage data sharing to protect children from harm.
Named ‘Think. Check. Share.’ the campaign is aimed at helping organisations understand how data protection law can help them to responsibly share information needed to safeguard children and young people.
The ICO has produced a toolkit of free resources, including posters, videos, infographics and content for social media. Organisations can also create new co-branded materials if required.
Among those to begin working with the ICO on the campaign are the National Day Nurseries Association, the Early Years Alliance, the College of Policing, the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the Confederation of School Trusts.
The ICO has also called on social service providers to help it promote the message.
This follows the publication last September of a 10-step practical guide on safely and lawfully sharing information to safeguard children.
Everyone's responsibility
Information Commissioner John Edwards said: “Safeguarding children is everyone’s responsibility. We understand that frontline workers in these sectors are sometimes nervous about sharing personal data and the potential consequences this may have. However, if there are concerns that a child is at risk, organisations and their staff need to know they can share personal data to protect that child without falling foul of data protection law.
“Through our work with local organisations, we want to help improve child safeguarding by ensuring those working with children are empowered to share data in an appropriate, safe and lawful way.”
