Aims
Competences covered in this unit:
Ability to draw on knowledge of local policies on confidentiality and information sharing, and the ways these are applied when working within and between teams or organisations.
Ability to give people being supported the information they need to decide whether to proceed with meetings with a peer support worker.
Ability to draw on knowledge that individuals have a right to withdraw or limit consent at any time.
Ability to draw on knowledge that a duty of confidentiality is owed to the person to whom the information relates, as well as any individuals who have provided relevant information on the understanding it is to be kept confidential.
Ability to ensure that a person’s information is treated as confidential and used only for the purpose for which it was provided.
Ability to discuss issues of confidentiality with a person in relation to sharing information across organisations and services.
Ability to draw on knowledge that confidentiality is breached where the sharing of confidential information is not authorised by the person who provided it or to whom it relates.
Ability to draw on knowledge of circumstances that make it appropriate to breach confidentiality, particularly when withholding information could:
- place the person, or family members or carers, the peer support worker, other mental health professionals or members of the public, at risk of significant harm
- prejudice the prevention, detection or prosecution of a serious crime
- lead to an unjustified delay in making enquiries about allegations of significant harm to others
Ability to draw on knowledge that safeguarding needs usually take precedence over issues of consent and confidentiality.
Ability to ensure that when decisions are made to share information that this is done so in line with local policies.
Underpinning understanding and knowledge for peer support workers
Communication and engagement skills
Working in partnership. Supporting people as a peer support worker
Self-care and support
Optional skills – using psychological approaches to support personal recovery