Information Sharing Protocol

Information Sharing

While the public rightly expect that personal information held by Islington's statutory agencies will be properly protected, there is also a growing expectation that information will be shared in partnership where it is appropriate to do so.  Sometimes it is only when information held by different agencies is pulled together that a person is seen to be in need of additional or alternative services. Sharing information, therefore, is a key element to the delivery of high quality, cost effective and seamless public services.

In the past there have been both real and perceived barriers to the sharing of personal information. The Data Protection Act 1998 places an emphasis on protecting privacy which has, in the past, made agencies very reluctant to share information for fear of breaking the law. It also, however, meant that information which should have been shared was kept within one agency. 

The need for an Information Sharing Protocol

The objective of the Information Sharing Protocol is to provide a framework of trust between professionals delivering services in Islington. This framework focuses on the way personal and other information is shared. This is essential to enable public sector agencies to meet both their statutory obligations and the needs and expectations of the people who they serve.

Ultimately the Information Sharing Protocol helps agencies work closely together and provides the standards of service expected by both government and the public.

Most of the Islington Strategic Partnership partners have signed the protocol. Please click on the document under Downloadable Documents at the bottom of this page.