Safeguarding is about protecting vulnerable people from harm, abuse, or neglect. Whether you work in education, healthcare, childcare, social care, or any environment involving vulnerable individuals, knowing when and how to share information safely can make the difference between protection and risk.
Many professionals worry about sharing information incorrectly. However, failing to share information when necessary can be far more dangerous. The UK Government’s safeguarding guidance makes it clear that lawful and appropriate information sharing is essential to protect children and vulnerable adults.
Understanding these principles is a key part of any professional safeguarding course, ensuring staff can act confidently, legally, and in the best interests of those they support.
Why Information Sharing Is Critical in Safeguarding
Safeguarding concerns rarely exist in isolation. Often, different organisations hold pieces of information that, when combined, reveal a serious risk.
For example:
- A teacher notices behavioural changes in a child
- A GP records repeated unexplained injuries
- A social worker receives reports of neglect
Individually, these may not confirm abuse. Together, they may indicate serious harm.
The UK Government’s statutory guidance, Working Together to Safeguard Children, emphasises that timely information sharing is essential to protect individuals at risk.
Professionals must feel confident sharing information appropriately and legally — something proper safeguarding training helps ensure.
The 7 Golden Rules of Information Sharing in Safeguarding
These seven rules form the foundation of safe, lawful, and effective safeguarding practice in the UK.
1. Remember That Data Protection Law Is Not a Barrier
Many professionals hesitate to share information because they fear breaking data protection laws such as UK GDPR or the Data Protection Act 2018.
However, these laws do not prevent safeguarding information sharing. In fact, they support it when necessary to protect someone from harm.
Safeguarding is considered a lawful basis for sharing information where there is a legitimate concern for safety.
If someone is at risk, protecting them takes priority.
2. Be Open and Honest Where Possible
Whenever it is safe and appropriate, you should explain:
- What information will be shared
- Why it is being shared
- Who it will be shared with
Transparency builds trust and ensures fairness.
However, if informing the person would increase risk or interfere with an investigation, information can still be shared without consent.
Protecting safety always comes first.
3. Seek Advice if You Are Unsure
Safeguarding situations can be complex. If you are unsure whether to share information, seek advice from:
- Your safeguarding lead
- A line manager
- A safeguarding officer
- Relevant safeguarding authorities
You do not need to disclose identifying details initially when seeking advice.
Proper safeguarding training equips staff with the confidence to make informed decisions in these situations.
4. Share Information With Consent Where Appropriate — But Do Not Delay if Risk Exists
Consent should normally be obtained before sharing personal information.
However, you do not need consent if:
- A person is at risk of harm
- Seeking consent would increase risk
- Consent cannot reasonably be obtained
Delaying action while waiting for consent can place individuals in danger.
Safeguarding always takes priority over procedural formality.
5. Consider Safety and Wellbeing Above All
The most important consideration is whether sharing information will protect someone from harm.
Ask yourself:
- Is someone at risk?
- Could sharing information prevent harm?
- Is this necessary to protect them?
If the answer is yes, sharing information is appropriate and often required.
Safeguarding is about protection, not secrecy.
6. Ensure Information Is Necessary, Relevant, and Accurate
Only share information that is:
- Relevant to the safeguarding concern
- Accurate and up-to-date
- Shared with appropriate professionals
Avoid sharing excessive or irrelevant personal details.
Accurate information ensures appropriate safeguarding decisions can be made.
7. Keep a Clear Record of Your Decision
Always document:
- What information was shared
- Why it was shared
- Who it was shared with
- When it was shared
If you decide not to share information, record your reasoning.
Clear documentation protects both the individual and the professional.
This is essential for accountability and safeguarding compliance.
The Legal Framework Supporting Safeguarding Information Sharing
Safeguarding information sharing in the UK is supported by several legal frameworks:
- Data Protection Act 2018
- UK GDPR
- Children Act 1989 and 2004
- Care Act 2014
- Working Together to Safeguard Children (HM Government)
These laws recognise that protecting vulnerable individuals is a legal and ethical responsibility.
Professionals are legally supported when sharing information appropriately to protect someone from harm.
Common Mistakes Professionals Make
Without proper safeguarding training, staff may:
- Fail to report concerns early enough
- Assume someone else will act
- Misunderstand data protection rules
- Delay action while seeking unnecessary consent
- Share information incorrectly
These mistakes can leave vulnerable individuals at risk.
A structured safeguarding course ensures staff understand their responsibilities and act confidently.
How Safeguarding Training Helps You Protect Others
Safeguarding is not just about recognising abuse — it is about knowing how to respond correctly.
A professional safeguarding course teaches:
- How to recognise safeguarding risks
- When and how to share information
- Legal responsibilities under UK law
- How to document safeguarding concerns
- How to protect yourself professionally
Whether you work in education, healthcare, childcare, or business, safeguarding training is essential.
Protecting Lives Starts With Proper Safeguarding Knowledge
Information sharing saves lives.
Understanding the seven golden rules ensures professionals can act quickly, legally, and confidently to protect vulnerable individuals.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility — and proper training ensures you are prepared when it matters most.
Ascend Learning provides professional safeguarding courses designed to give individuals and organisations the knowledge and confidence needed to protect others effectively.