Use of information and confidentiality
Chaperones may have access to confidential information about children and young people in order to undertake their responsibilities. In some circumstances, they may have access to or be given highly sensitive or private information. These details must be kept confidential at all times and only shared when it is in the interests of the child to do so. Such information must not be used to intimidate, humiliate or embarrass the child or young person concerned.
If a chaperone is in any doubt about the sharing of information and its confidentiality, they should seek guidance from a senior member of staff or the organisation's designated safeguarding lead.
The storing of information about children and young people is governed by the Data Protection Act 1998. Organisations should provide clear advice to chaperones about their responsibilities under the legislation. Read our Children's and families services privacy notice under GDPR principles.
Whilst chaperones need to be aware of the need to listen and support children and young people, they must also understand the importance of not promising to keep secrets. Neither should they request this of a child or young person under any circumstances.
Concerns and allegations about an adult should be treated as confidential and passed to the designated safeguarding lead without delay. If necessary, the LADO must also be informed.
This means that chaperones should:
- be clear about when information can be shared and in what circumstances it is not appropriate to do so
- treat information they receive about a child in a discreet and confidential manner
- seek advice from the designated safeguarding lead if they are in doubt about sharing information they hold or which has been requested of them
- know to whom any concerns or allegations should be reported