Does the launch of a set of templates, guidance and associated documentation – called the Information Sharing Tool-kit – mean that we have to set aside all the current completed agreements, protocols, accords etc?
Negotiating information sharing can be difficult and time-consuming, and the last thing that The Scottish Government wants to do is undermine all the good work that has already been under-taken in developing information sharing arrangements in parts of the country. There are centres of excellence which have used SASPI (Scottish Accord on Sharing Personal Information that is based on the Welsh equivalent) and the ‘Gold Standard’ for some years.
The new tool-kit should be used in cases where
- there is a completely new requirement or
- where the current arrangements are due for significant review.
Although the previously used templates/methodologies all have their strengths, the new tool-kit has been been specifically designed to capture the increasingly complex regulatory requirement. An expert group drawn from across sectors (Police, health, local authorities, central government etc.) will review and ensure there is version control in the light of changes (e.g. EU General Data Protection Regulation) and central repository for other resources.