Safeguarding, Crime and Policing
Processing information for safeguarding
We will collect and process identifiable information where we need to asses and evaluate any safeguarding concerns. The identity could include name, address, date of birth and NHS number and will only be used if necessary for the protection of vulnerable individuals.
Processing information for Crime and Policing
All Health and Care Services should, to the extent permitted by law, support other parts of the public sector in their work. This can include the provision of personal information about service users or staff but there are legal constraints on what can and should be provided depending upon the circumstances.
The Trust will satisfy itself that any disclosure is required by law. Common examples include:
- The Police and Criminal Evidence Act (1984) permits, but does not require, information to be disclosed to the Police if it is believed that someone may be seriously harmed or death may occur if they are not informed.
- The Crime and Disorder Act (1998) permits disclosure to the Police if there is a need for strategic cross organisational planning to detect, prevent or reduce crime and disorder that an individual may be involved in.
- Prevention of Terrorism Act (1989) and Terrorism Act (2000). We MUST inform the Police if we have information (including personal information) that may assist them in preventing an act of terrorism, or help in apprehending or prosecuting a terrorist.
- The Road Traffic Act (1988). We have a statutory duty to inform the Police, when asked, of any information that might identify any driver who is alleged to have committed an offence under the Act. We are not required to disclose clinical or other confidential information.
- The Female Genital Mutilation Act (2003). We have a statutory duty to report to the police under Section 5B of this Act where it appears that a girl under the age of 18 has been subject to genital mutilation. Court Orders are also sometimes obtained by the Police to acquire information from organisations or individuals.