Mental Health

Confidentiality guidelines.

It is imperative that sensitive information about a student’s mental health is only communicated to others on a strict ‘need to know’ basis. If information needs to be communicated with others in the university, that information must contain only the minimal details required. The Data Protection Act states that where information is shared, it must be ‘for the legitimate interests of the organisation’ and ‘fair’ on the individual concerned. In many instances, staff may need to know that a student has certain needs, but it may not be necessary for them to know why.

Where members of a department have concerns about the safety of an individual and feel that another department needs to be informed, in order to ensure either the safety of that individual or of others, or to seek appropriate support, then the permission of the student must first be sought. If the student is unwilling to give this permission and the member of staff still believes that other support must be accessed, then this is possible within the University’s duty of care, for which the member of staff is acting as a representative.

Where a member of staff feels that confidentiality should be breached, it is important to seek consent from a line manager, where possible without disclosing the identity of the student. (Where the staff member is a Halls warden, the matter must be discussed with a Senior Warden and not with other wardens). The decision then becomes a departmental decision and not that of one person.

When then referring on to an appropriate person in another department, it is best to make a verbal referral directly. Some record of the referral and of the reason behind it needs to be kept, but care must be taken to ensure that sensitive information concerning the student is logged securely and appropriately and is not available to other people. Communication should be on a ‘need to know’ basis. (For more information on data protection issues contact Gwenan Owen in the Registrar’s office).