The UK Information Commissioner, John Edwards, has launched an information hub with practical materials for adults with care experience who want to have information from their care records. The materials are informed by people who have grown up in care and set out clearly their rights and the process.
In addition, there are robust materials for organisations and senior leaders in local authorities to ensure standards are met and significant compliance improvements are made. He has backed the call to data governance managers with a clear message that delays and pages of redactions made without explanation will be scrutinised by his Office and local authorities may risk breaching their obligations. Bristol City Council was recently served an enforcement notice in relation to unacceptable delays in responding to requests for information from care records.
The ICO team have worked with care leavers to create an excellent range of resources. The CLA was pleased that we were invited to join focus groups and discussions. We see this as an opportunity to improve standards and practice in local authorities to ensure that care experienced adults, regardless of their age, receive the quality services to which they are entitled. We look forward to seeing these changes implemented and to continuing our work with the ICO as this progresses.
Dr Jim Goddard, Chair of The Care Leavers Association, said:
“Accessing the files from my childhood in care was one of the most important experiences of my life. It is impossible to exaggerate the importance of these files to those of us who grew up in care as children. I know many other care leavers of all ages who would say the same. Anything that makes this process easier and clearer for us, such as this new ICO guidance, is to be welcomed.”
Better Records Together