Effective information sharing and governance
Objective
To promote shared digital care records, integrated data use, and multi-agency governance to support coordination and continuity of care.
Why is this important?
Effective information sharing and robust governance are the cornerstones of a well-functioning and integrated aftercare system. It means people do not have to repeat their stories multiple times and supports co-ordinated, safe and joined up care.
What good looks like
- A shared S117 register: Are there effective arrangements in place to maintain shared oversight of all people subject to Section 117 aftercare, with accurate and up-to-date information accessible to both the Local Authority and the Integrated Care Board? This may include a shared Section 117 register where local systems allow, or alternative agreed mechanisms such as linked datasets, reconciled records, regular data audits, and routine information-sharing processes. Arrangements should ensure clarity about responsibility, support joint governance, and enable timely review, oversight and assurance of Section 117 aftercare across organisations.
- Shared digital care records: Are there effective arrangements in place to support the sharing of relevant care information between organisations involved in Section 117 aftercare, and to enable people to access and understand their aftercare plans, so far as this is practicable? This may be achieved through shared digital care records where local systems allow, or through agreed alternative approaches such as aligned care plans, shared summaries, patient-held records, or secure information-sharing processes. The aim is to improve coordination, reduce duplication, and minimise the need for people to repeatedly recount their history.
- Integrated data use: Data from different sources is used to inform commissioning decisions and to monitor the performance of the aftercare system, identifying gaps and driving continuous improvement.
- Information governance: All information sharing must comply with data protection legislation and the common law duty of confidentiality. Information should be shared only where necessary and on a clear ‘need to know’ basis for the purpose of delivering and reviewing Section 117 aftercare. People should be informed about what information is shared, with whom and why, including any limits to confidentiality, and consent obtained where required. Clear boundaries around information sharing are essential to support trust and engagement.
- Routine audits and oversight: There are regular audits undertaken to provide assurance on the effectiveness and quality of information sharing arrangements.
Practical considerations
- Digital maturity: Is there a clear and shared vision and road map that supports a shared care record and integrated data that is proportionate and sensitive to patient data sharing concerns.
- Information sharing: Is there a multi-agency information sharing agreement that enables the sharing of information between different organisations involved in the delivery of Section 117 aftercare.
- Training on information governance: Are all staff receiving training on information governance to ensure that they are aware of their legal and professional responsibilities.
