Describe the potential tension between maintaining an individual’s confidentiality and disclosing concerns

Although care workers have a duty to protect the confidentiality of the individuals that they support, there may be times when disclosing concerns outweighs the need for confidentiality.

For example, if an individual discloses that have been abused but asks you to keep it a secret, you would usually have to pass this information on to your safeguarding lead. This may create tension between yourself and the service user because they may feel that a bond of trust has been broken.

You should explain from the outset you can not promise full confidentiality and certain information may need to be shared with others. You should reassure them that you will do all you can to protect them and that their disclosure will help to prevent future abuse to themselves and others.