The Department for Education has updated and published its Information Sharing Duty statutory guidance for safeguarding organisations and their practitioners. The guidance is now statutory and has been updated to reflect that the Information Sharing Duty under section 16LA of the Children Act 2004. The guidance explains what organisations and practitioners must do to comply with the information sharing duty and what they should do to ensure consistent and effective information sharing to safeguard children and young people.

This statutory guidance is for:

• individuals who are directly involved in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, including frontline practitioners, managers and senior leaders
• individuals and organisations that work with children, parents, carers and families
• designated childcare or education agencies
• providers delivering services arranged by these individuals, agencies or organisations

The guidance applies to:

• local authorities
• integrated care boards
• NHS Trusts
• the police
• education
• early years
• prison and probation services
• youth justice services
• youth custody services
• GPs, dentists and other primary care providers

It may also be helpful for practitioners working with vulnerable adults and adults who could pose a risk to children.

The guidance should be read alongside the statutory guidance Working together to safeguard children.

Information Sharing Duty - Statutory guidance for safeguarding organisations and their practitioners