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Bournemouth Alcohol and Drug Service User Forum Confidentiality Policy

Introduction.
All BADSUF personnel will treat information relating to individuals as strictly confidential within the organisation. Information relating to an individual can only be passed to a third party with the express written or oral consent of the individual concerned.

All information relating to individual clients will be collected, stored and handled in compliance with the Data Protection Act 1998. All service users have the right to be made aware of the extent of the confidentiality policy as stated in this document.

Any breach of the confidentiality policy will be considered as serious and reviewed by the BADSUF Committee whereupon appropriate action will be taken to improve systems and processes relating to the manner in which information is used.

Limitations on the confidentiality policy.
The service does not operate a policy of absolute confidentiality. Information will always be disclosed to any appropriate agency in the following circumstances:

  1. Where a child is highlighted as at risk of harm or likely to be at risk of harm under the Children Act 1989.
  2. Where a client has threatened to do serious harm to Him or Herself.
  3. If the Police have to be called regarding an event concerning a BADSUF representative, then the name of the Client will be given.
  4. When the service, or BADSUF staff member is so ordered to disclose information as instructed under a court order.
  5. Where there is a concern that a user of the service is putting a fellow user, or any other third party at risk of serious harm.
  6. If a service user gives information about a serious crime which has been committed, such as:

    • Rape or kidnapping as imposed by the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.
    • Details of money made form drug trafficking as imposed by the Drug Trafficking Offences Act section 26 (b).
    • Any details of terrorism or suspected terrorism involvement as imposed by the Prevention of Terrorism Act 1989.