Information Sharing Duty (Duty to Share)
A New Legal Duty to Help Keep Children Safe
From 30 September 2026, a new Information Sharing Duty comes into force across England. Introduced through the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act and set out in new statutory guidance from the Department for Education (DfE), the duty strengthens expectations on organisations and practitioners to share information that may be relevant to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. [gov.uk], [gov.uk]
The Duty is designed to ensure that children receive the right help at the right time by reducing uncertainty about when information should be shared and supporting more effective multi-agency working. [gov.uk], [consult.ed...ion.gov.uk]
Why Has the Duty Been Introduced?
Reviews of serious child safeguarding incidents have repeatedly highlighted that opportunities to protect children can be missed when important information is not shared between agencies.
The new Duty aims to:
- Improve the protection of children and young people.
- Support earlier identification of need, risk and vulnerability.
- Encourage a culture where information sharing is seen as a safeguarding responsibility.
- Strengthen cooperation between professionals and organisations.
- Provide greater clarity and consistency about when information should be shared. [consult.ed...ion.gov.uk], [gov.uk]
What Does the Duty Mean?
The starting point under the new legislation is that information relevant to safeguarding or promoting a child's welfare should be shared with other organisations that have safeguarding responsibilities, unless a very limited exception applies. [consult.ed...ion.gov.uk], [socialworkworld.org]
Importantly, the Duty is not limited to situations where a child is at risk of significant harm.
Information may need to be shared where it can:
- Help identify emerging concerns.
- Support early help and prevention.
- Contribute to assessments, planning or decision-making.
- Improve understanding of a child's needs, circumstances or risks.
- Help safeguard other children who may be affected. [socialworkworld.org], [safeblog.lgfl.net]
Who Does the Duty Apply To?
The Duty applies to a wide range of organisations involved in safeguarding children, including:
- Local authorities.
- Integrated Care Boards (ICBs).
- NHS Trusts and healthcare providers.
- Police services.
- Schools, colleges and early years settings.
- Youth justice services.
- Probation and prison services.
- Other organisations delivering safeguarding and welfare services for children and families. [gov.uk], [consult.ed...ion.gov.uk]
Key Messages for Professionals
Safeguarding is Everyone's Responsibility
Information sharing is a vital part of protecting children. No single practitioner or agency will have the complete picture.
Share Early
Professionals do not need to wait until concerns reach statutory safeguarding thresholds before sharing information. Early sharing can help prevent problems from escalating. [safeblog.lgfl.net], [socialworkworld.org]
Information Sharing is a Safeguarding Activity
The new Duty reinforces that sharing relevant information is often necessary to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. [consult.ed...ion.gov.uk], [gov.uk]
Children and Families Should Be Engaged
Where appropriate and safe to do so, practitioners should be open and transparent with children and families about information sharing and why it is necessary. [consult.ed...ion.gov.uk]
Data Protection Laws Still Apply
The Duty does not replace UK data protection legislation. Instead, it provides a clearer legal basis for sharing relevant safeguarding information appropriately and proportionately. [consult.ed...ion.gov.uk], [gov.uk]
What Does This Mean for Children, Young People and Families?
Children, young people and families should expect that professionals working with them will share information with other relevant agencies when it is necessary to help keep children safe and support their wellbeing.
The purpose of sharing information is to:
- Improve support for children and families.
- Ensure professionals have the information they need to make informed decisions.
- Reduce the risk of harm.
- Enable agencies to work together more effectively.
- Promote the best possible outcomes for children and young people. [gov.uk], [consult.ed...ion.gov.uk]
Barnet Safeguarding Children Partnership (BSCP)
The BSCP welcomes the introduction of the Information Sharing Duty and supports a culture where information is shared confidently, lawfully and in the best interests of children.
All safeguarding partners, relevant agencies and practitioners across Barnet are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new statutory guidance and review local policies, procedures and information-sharing arrangements ahead of implementation.
Together, effective information sharing helps ensure that children are seen, heard, safeguarded and supported.
Further Information
Department for Education Statutory Guidance:
Information Sharing to Safeguard Children and Young People (Updated September 2026) [gov.uk]
Implementation Date: 30 September 2026. [gov.uk]
For advice on safeguarding practice in Barnet, please contact the Barnet Safeguarding Children Partnership Business Unit on bscp@barnet.gov.uk