Sharing information for a safer Essex
Removing the 'fear' factor
Most people have a view on whether they think organisations should share personal information held on computer. They may question:
- What type of information is needed and why
- How the data is to be used and by whom
- How long the information is kept and where
Recent media coverage has exposed the 'dangers' of disclosing or sharing information with unknown third parties. Whatever the arguments for controlled information sharing, some people and organisations are understandably wary of how the sharing process works.
The Essex Trust Charter aims to remove this 'fear factor',
by providing a
safe and secure framework
for sharing information among partner organisations in Essex.
The benefits of sharing
Local government, health organisations and the emergency services are working together to deliver a range of services across Essex. Sharing information between these partner organisations is vital if they are to provide a coherent, consistent approach. This information exchange can also help to meet the requirements of both statutory and local initiatives.
What is the Essex Trust Charter?
- A major commitment in principle to share information between local government, health agencies and other invited organisations in Essex
- A statement from trusted partners, not a legally binding contract to share information
- Guidance on what is expected from sharing participants
- A template for an information sharing protocol
- An update of the existing Essex Information Sharing Agreement (following a request by the Essex e-Champions)
Who is involved in the Charter?
The Charter has been developed by the Information Sharing Group, whose representatives include Braintree District Council, Colchester Borough Council, Essex County Council, Essex Strategic Health Authority and Essex Police.
The Charter is owned equally by all Charter Members and is administered by Essex County Council's Information Sharing Information Security (ISIS) Manager: ISIS@essexcc.gov.uk
Who is involved in the Charter
Why is the Essex Trust Charter needed?
- For transparency
- describes the sharing agreement in simple language
- explains how the agreement will be managed
- clarifies security issues
- available and 'open' to the public, to secure their confidence in the sharing process
- To avoid misunderstandings
- gives partners a clear framework through which to agree
- documents the commitments from all sharing partners
- highlights possible issues affecting information sharing in advance
- guidance and sharing protocols serve as an ongoing reference tool as partnerships progress
- To meet Government guidelines
The e-Government Unit (e-GU) encourages local authorities and health organisations to work together to implement a trust charter. These sharing agreements must incorporate:- identification, sharing and assessment following the Green Paper, Every Child Matters
- crime and disorder partnership working
- initiatives relating to young offenders
- mental health partnerships
- local service agreements
