Information Sharing Protocols - FAQ
Why do we need to have Information Sharing Protocols within the Local Strategic Partnership?
Information Sharing Protocols are agreements between one or more organisations that outline what information can be shared and, more importantly, why this information is being shared between partners. By collecting these agreements on our website, all partners and citizens can easily access and review the agreements that are in place.
Why do we need to share information?
Information sharing is essential for any partnership to work effectively together. By sharing information we can better understand the needs of our community and improve our services to meet these needs.
Many of our partners have been working together for years and sharing information in an informal and formal basis. The Information Sharing Protocols found in this section make these relationships more formal and allow for effective new working relationships between organisations to be formed.
Information sharing also helps to protect the safety of our workforce and volunteers to alert agencies of any potential dangers, and putting people at unnecessary risk.
Why are there two tiers of protocols?
The Overarching Information Sharing Protocol (Tier 1) is the highest level in the protocol structure and applies to all sharing of personal information. It contains the general principles of information sharing and the legislative standards that all types of personal information sharing must comply with.
The Purpose Specific Information Sharing Agreements (PSISA) represent Tier 2 of the structure. The PSISAs will specify what information is to be shared, how it will be shared and who it will be given to. Responsibility for the production of PSISAs rests with the Head of Service (or equivalent) for the relevant service area.
The PSISA must be signed by the Head of Services (or equivalent) for that particular area of work within the participating partner agencies. All PSISAs must comply with the principles set down in the Overarching Information Sharing Protocol.
Can an organisation that has not signed up to the Overarching Information Sharing Protocol enter into a PSISA?
An organisation can enter into PSISA without having to sign the Overarching Information Sharing Protocol. The PSISA template agreement states that “any party to this PSISA who is not already a party to Overarching Protocol, agrees to comply with the terms of the Overarching Protocol insofar as it is relevant to the information sharing under this PSISA”.
More Information Sharing Protocols will appear on this site as they are agreed, however if you have any queries please contact the London Borough of Lambeth Information Compliance Advisor at Informationcompliance@lambeth.gov.uk
