Privacy Notice - Safeguarding

Date created: 14th April 2026

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Some members of society are recognised as needing protection, for example children and vulnerable adults. If a person is identified as being at risk from harm we are expected as professionals to do what we can to protect them. In addition we are bound by certain specific laws that exist to protect individuals. This is called “Safeguarding”. 

Where there is a suspected or actual safeguarding issue we will share information that we hold with other relevant agencies whether or not the individual or their representative agrees. 

There are three laws that allow us to do this without relying on the individual or their representative’s agreement (unconsented processing), these are: 

In addition, there are circumstances when we will seek the agreement (consented processing) of the individual or their representative to share information with local child protection services, the relevant law being; section 17 Childrens Act 1989.

1) Data Controller contact details

All Croydon GP Practices 

2) Data Protection Officer contact details

Contact Laura Watson via email

3) Purpose of the processing

The purpose of the processing is to protect the child or vulnerable adult. 

4) Lawful basis for processing

The sharing is a legal requirement to protect vulnerable children or adults, therefore for the purposes of safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, the following Article 6 and 9 conditions apply: 

For consented processing;

  • 6(1)(a) the data subject has given consent to the processing of his or her personal data for one or more specific purposes

For unconsented processing;

  • 6(1)(c) processing is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation to which the controller is subject 
  • 9(2)(b) ‘...is necessary for the purposes of carrying out the obligations and exercising the specific rights of the controller or of the data subject in the field of ...social protection law in so far as it is authorised by Union or Member State law..’ 

We will consider your rights established under UK case law collectively known as the “Common Law Duty of Confidentiality”

5) Recipient or categories of recipients of the shared data

The data will be shared with your local safeguarding services other organisations involved in your care.

6) Rights to object 

This sharing is a legal and professional requirement and therefore there is no right to object. 

Read the GMC guidance online

7) Right to access and correct

You have the right to access the data that is being shared and have any inaccuracies corrected. There is no right to have accurate medical records deleted except when ordered by a court of Law.

8) Retention period 

The data will be retained for active use during any investigation and thereafter retained in an inactive stored form according to the law and national guidance.

9) Right to Complain

You have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

Please note that the National Data Opt Out does not apply to this sharing of information.

For further information, please see your NHS data matters