---

Information Sharing Index

Answer

In relation to question 102804, the Information Commissioner has responded to two previous related consultations: on the Every Child Matters Green Paper (2003) and; consultation on recording practitioner details for potentially sensitive services and recording concern (2004-05). We are currently consulting on draft regulations that will bring the index into operation.We have consulted the Information Commissioner throughout the development of the information sharing index and we continue to value this important relationship. We look forward to receiving the Information Commissioner’s response on the draft regulations and to engaging with him further on the draft statutory guidance for the index that will cover issues such as subject access requests and securing explicit consent in handling sensitive services.In relation to question 102805, the index will receive initial data and regular updates from existing databases including, where appropriate, those of the police, to help establish and maintain accurate and up-to-date records. There will be no facility to link the index to police records, nor feed data back into police databases. Information may only be disclosed from the index for the purposes set out in sections 10 and 11 of the Children Act 2004 and section 175 of the Education Act 2002.In relation to question 102810, access to the index will be granted according to the role of the practitioner. Draft regulations specify the types of practitioners, whose role would make it appropriate for them to have access to the index, including authorised staff employed by a number of national and local voluntary and community sector organisations. The draft regulations provide that decisions on the practitioners who will be granted access may be made by a local authority, by a body designated by a local authority or by a body designated by the Secretary of State. All authorised users must have undergone an enhanced CRB check and have received training in the correct use of the index and the importance of security and good security practice.In relation to question 102811, it is intended that the DfES will, in time, contract out the running of the central functions of the index once it is operational. This body will be responsible for national statistical reporting and monitoring local authority operation of the index. Both national and local index operation will be subject to scrutiny by the National Audit Office and the Audit Commission.All index user access will be continuously recorded and reviewed for suspicious patterns of access. Where suspected misuse is detected, it will be the responsibility of the agency where the practitioner works to investigate and, where appropriate, take action under their disciplinary and performance management arrangements. Misuse of the index may lead to a penalty or imprisonment.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

453 c186-7W; 102811

Session

2006-07

Subjects

Children Databases

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk