This page is designed to answer the following questions:
- 6.4d Describe who they should ask for advice and support about confidentiality (Care Certificate, Standard 6: Communication)
- 4.4 Explain how and when to seek advice about confidentiality (Level 2 Diploma in Care, Communication in care settings)
NOTE: This page has been quality assured for 2023 as per our Quality Assurance policy.
A health and social care worker may need to get advice about confidentiality if a situation arises that they are unsure about.
For example, they may not know if an individual requesting the information is authorised to access it, or they may not be able to verify their identity.
Care workers should, in the first instance, get advice about confidentiality from their line managers and organisational agreed ways of working (policies and procedures). Up-to-date training can also help keep them informed of changes to local and national policies.
The website of the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) provides general guidance about confidentiality.
Requesting advice about confidentiality helps to prevent personal data from being accessed by unauthorised persons, as well as demonstrating a care worker’s commitment to confidentiality and respecting the rights and privacy of the individuals they support.