New Information Sharing Duty Comes into Force

New Information Sharing Duty Comes into Force

A significant change to safeguarding legislation takes effect from 30 September 2026

The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 introduces a new statutory information-sharing duty intended to provide greater clarity and confidence for professionals when sharing information to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. The Department for Education has now published the final statutory guidance. Information sharing to safeguard children and young people – GOV.UK

For most practitioners, the key message is that information sharing is an essential part of effective safeguarding practice and should not be delayed where there are concerns about a child’s welfare or safety. The new duty aims to support professionals to share relevant information more confidently and consistently when this is necessary to protect children.

What does this mean for frontline practice?

Whilst information sharing has always been a cornerstone of safeguarding practice, the new duty reinforces expectations that practitioners should:

• Share relevant information when it is necessary to safeguard or promote the welfare of a child.
• Be child-centred and focused on outcomes for children and families.
• Work across agency boundaries to build a complete understanding of a child’s circumstances.
• Challenge unnecessary barriers or delays where information is needed to support safeguarding decision-making.
• Continue to exercise professional judgement, ensuring information is shared lawfully, proportionately and for a clear safeguarding purpose.

What does this mean for organisations?

Partners should review local policies, procedures and workforce communications to ensure they align with the updated statutory guidance. Organisations may also wish to consider:

• Whether staff understand when and how information can be shared for safeguarding purposes.
• Any areas where practitioners report uncertainty or confusion regarding information sharing.
• How the updated duty will be reflected in training, supervision and quality assurance arrangements.
• Whether existing information-sharing agreements and pathways remain fit for purpose.

What is NYSCP doing?

The NYSCP will review local safeguarding procedures, guidance and resources to ensure they reflect the legislative changes. We will also work with partners to identify any learning or development needs arising from the new duty and share further information through partnership networks.

Partners are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new guidance and discuss the implications within their teams and organisations. Information sharing to safeguard children and young people – GOV.UK