1.1 Identify legislation and codes of practice that relate to handling information in social care settings.
• The data protection Act 1998: – is a United Kingdom Act of Parliament designed to protect personal data stored on computers or in an organised paper filing system. It follows the EU Data Protection Directive 1995 protection, processing and movement of data. Individuals have legal rights to control information about themselves.
Most of the Act does not apply to domestic use.• The Freedom of information Act 2000: – The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) generally provides that any person has the right to request access to federal agency records or information except to the extent the records are protected from disclosure by any of nine exemptions contained in the law or by one of three special law enforcement record exclusions.• Carers Code of Practice: – A list of statements that describes the standard of professional code and practice required of a social care worker as they go about their daily work.1.2 Explain how legal requirements and codes of practice inform practice in handling information.It is important and a legal requirement for all personal record and information to be kept from unauthorised readers.All paper documentation in my work place relating to both staff and individuals are all kept in a locked office in filling cabinets under lock and key.
Electronic documents are also kept securely with passwords and encrypted to prevent hackers and unauthorised viewing as incompliance will bring about a breach of both staff and individuals confidentiality and rights. All records need to be written clearly in black ink not forgetting to record the date time and must be accurate. If there be any writing error, it only needs a clear line put through and initialled.2.1 -Explain how to maintain records that are up to date complete accurate and legible.
Systems of records can be manual and electronic.Manual system deals with any paper record, support and care plans, staff record etc. When in use need to be out general view and needs to be locked away.
Electronic system relates to databases, emails etc. stored on hard drives. These must be stored strong passwords protected, good internet security and must be encrypted.2.2 -Describe practices that ensure security when storing and accessing information.Some records and documents may contain personal or confidential information, these need to be kept secured and locked and do not need to be left about.Ways of ensuring the security of this information include the use of strong passwords for all sensitive information stored on computers, storing sensitive filed information in locked cabinets, all such information needs to have controlled access.
2.3 Describe features of manual and electronic information storage systems that help ensure security. All records must be validated by making sure they are up to date and signed and dated. This way it tells the needs of the individual has been met as the law states if it was not written down, then it never happened.3.
1 -Explain how to support others to understand the need for secure handling of information.To ensure others understand the need for secure handling of information, there is the need for everyone to complete induction training and shadowing, highlighting the policies and procedures on handling information. They must understand what information they can share, who to share with, and how to report if something unusual happens to an individual.3.2 -Explain how to support others to understand and contribute to recordsThe best way to support others to understand is by shadowing, thus attaching a new carer to a senior carer with lots of experience, who will spend time to explain what to do and make sure the one shadowing understands. Another way to support others to understand and contribute to records is liaising with colleagues, exchanging views and coming up with suggestions which will be in the best interest of the individual.
