Confidentiality Policy
Improving Futures Ltd
Improving Futures Ltd is committed to respecting and protecting the confidentiality of all individuals we support. We recognise that trust is central to effective advocacy and support, and we handle information sensitively, respectfully and responsibly.
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Purpose
This policy explains:
•what confidentiality means in practice
•how information shared with us is handled
•when confidentiality may need to be shared or breached
•the responsibilities of staff, volunteers and contractors
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Scope
This policy applies to:•all staff•volunteers•contractors•anyone acting on behalf of Improving Futures LtdIt covers information shared by:
•clients and service users
•children and young people
•vulnerable adults
•families, carers
and representatives
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What Confidentiality Means
Confidentiality means:
•information shared with us is treated as private
•information is not shared without a clear reason
•conversations, records and personal details are respected
•information is disclosed only when appropriate and lawful
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Information Covered
Confidential information may include:
•personal circumstances
•health, care or education details
•family information
•financial or housing information
•safeguarding concerns
•advocacy discussions and case notes
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Our Commitment
Improving Futures Ltd will:
•collect and record only information necessary for support
•store information securely
•restrict access to authorised individuals only
•avoid unnecessary sharing
•explain confidentiality clearly to clients and families
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When Information May Be Shared
Confidential information may be shared without consent where:
•there is a safeguarding concern involving a child or vulnerable adult
•there is a risk of serious harm to the individual or others
•disclosure is required by law or court order
•there is a legal or regulatory obligation
•vital interests apply Where possible, individuals will be informed that information is being shared, unless doing so would increase risk.
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Safeguarding
Confidentiality does not override safeguarding.
If a safeguarding concern arises:
•information will be shared with the appropriate safeguarding authority
•this will follow our Safeguarding Policy
•only relevant information will be shared
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Consent and Information Sharing
Where consent is required:
•it will be sought clearly and appropriately
•consent may be withdrawn at any time
•information sharing will be proportionate
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Professional Boundaries
All staff, volunteers and contractors must:
•maintain appropriate professional boundaries
•avoid sharing personal information unnecessarily
•not discuss cases outside appropriate professional contexts
•respect privacy in community and group settings
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Record Keeping
Confidential records are:
•accurate and factual
•stored securely
•accessed only by those with a legitimate reason Records are retained in line with our Privacy Policy.
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Breaches of Confidentiality
Any actual or suspected breach of confidentiality must be:
•reported immediately
•recorded
•reviewed and addressed promptly
Appropriate action will be taken where breaches occur.
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Links to Other Policies
This policy should be read alongside:
•Privacy Policy
•Safeguarding Policy
•Complaints Policy
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Review
This Confidentiality Policy is reviewed annually or sooner if required due to changes in law, guidance or practice.
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Contact
For questions about confidentiality or information handling, contact:📧 support@improvingfutures.co.uk