Trust is an integral part of our ability to provide consistent high standards of care and as such it must not be infringed. A person’s trust is not a right but a special privilege, which means you must exercise care and thought in your handling of confidences.
You must never divulge a confidence placed in you by a Service User, without their written consent and only on the need to know basis to colleague, relative and or other professional agencies.
These high standards of confidentiality apply especially to client’s records, which encompasses care plan. Breach of confidentiality may constitute gross misconduct and as such may lead to dismissal.
This does not affect your right regarding whistle-blowing, for which we have a separate policy, which protects your right to expose unsound practice without detriment to yourself.