Information Sharing
Model Protocol
| This document is published for archival/historical purposes. |
These pages are due to be updated. More up to date information on information sharing can be found in 'Delivering Community Safety - A guide to effective partnership working' and the Information Commissioners Code of Practice on Information Sharing.
Model Protocol - Welcome Page
Welcome to the “Model” Protocol section, on the Crime Reduction Website.
An interactive version of this document has now been developed, allowing you to draft an intial version of your Information Sharing Protocol online. The online version allows you to select only those sections that are appropraite to your group, and gives you the option to include references to legislation commonly used in crime reduction information sharing protocols. Click here for the online version of this document.
The Crime & Disorder Act 1998 laid the foundations for a joined-up approach to tackling Crime and Disorder, by establishing local partnerships between local authorities and police forces, together with various other bodies invited to co-operate [See Appendix for detail]. The act gives these partnerships a legal power to share information, for the purpose of preventing or reducing crime and disorder under an agreed objective.
All Protocols are agreements of no legal standing between various parties. They are drawn-up for the specific purpose of clarifying the process and types of information that may be exchanged. They should always be presented in as plain English as possible.
Protocols are “living” documents. As such, they are always susceptible to the changes in law and best practice, and should be updated and amended regularly. The sharing of information is not something to be afraid of, and it is fundamental to the success of any strategy to reduce crime and disorder. There is a decision making process that can be associated with all disclosures, and this “Model” protocol will assist designated officers to identify the relevant issues. It also aims to encourage a significant level of standardisation in the information exchange by partnerships.
The Contents page sets out all the relevant sections of the “Model” Protocol. You must work through all the sections in order, to ensure that you have covered all the sections of the “Model” Protocol relevant to your data sharing arrangements.
The model is a guideline and may not cover every type of information sharing arrangement by crime and disorder partnerships. It is intended as a best practice way to approach a data sharing agreement; you can tailor it to your needs.
You need to select those clauses which best fit your frame of work, and fill-in your details wherever indicated. The Appendix section contains full details on legal and procedural aspects.
Guidance about using this protocol is written in blue, while the actual text of the “Model” Protocol is written in black. Wherever you see the blue text, you should select a range of options. A system is under development which will allow you to select from a drop down menu (which will always include a free text line), and insert your details, if your option is not available. The computer will remember all text selected and at the end of the process, you will be able to print out a final, personalised version of your Protocol. This facility will be available shortly.
We have included a Library section on good Information Sharing Protocols [subject to approval], for your perusal. This is so you can have a look at some of the Protocols that are currently in use.
NB: Indemnity Clause: As Protocols are not legally-binding documents, it is wrong to assume that mention of these Indemnity Clauses in any Protocol would place all signatories beyond legal challenge, following a breach or disclosure of certain sensitive information. We have thus omitted an Indemnity Clause from our “Model” Protocol, but it may be an option for your organisation.
Information Sharing Index page
Last update: Friday, January 09, 2009