The UK Caldicott Guardian Council, in partnership with the National Data Guardian (NDG) and Health Education England, has published two more sessions to help health and social care workers understand the role of the Caldicott Guardian.
Social care providers are expected to appoint a Caldicott Guardian by June 2023.
According to the NDG, Caldicott Guardians are senior people within an organisation who protect the confidentiality of people’s information by considering the ethical and legal aspects of data sharing. ‘They play a vital role in ensuring that health and social care data is used responsibly to support the delivery of better care,’ it adds.
Free e-learning for health and social care workers
The learning is available on Health Education England’s eLearning for healthcare website and is free for NHS health and care organisations. Others may also qualify for access through OpenAthens and can check their eligibility online.
The first new session is aimed at new or existing Caldicott Guardians. It provides a starting point for the newly appointed Caldicott Guardian and a useful reminder for the more experienced.
It explains how the role fits into the wider information governance assurance framework and will help Caldicott Guardians arrive at lawful and practical decisions regarding the protection and sharing of patient and service user information. It also looks at what sources of support and resources are available to them.
The second is aimed at members of senior leadership teams who may need to appoint, work alongside, or otherwise support a Caldicott Guardian. It explains the importance of the role, including how their work represents the best interests of patients and service users, and how Caldicott Guardians can impact the decision-making processes of the organisation.
The added resources complement the existing session published in November which is aimed at the general health and social care workforce and is intended to improve people’s awareness of the importance of Caldicott Guardians and confidentiality in health and care.
For more information and to access the sessions, please visit the Caldicott Guardian programme page on HEE’s website.
You can download a factsheet here which details the new Caldicott Guardian Guidance
Download Now