1. Introduction
ZunTold offers a non-judgemental, confidential service as it is of utmost importance to us that those accessing the site are able to relax in a safe and private space.
The requirement to respect client confidentiality is obligatory upon all members of staff and workers, whether paid or voluntary. It includes all office staff, fundraisers, educators and associates such as supervisors as well as all those contributing in any therapeutic or organisational capacity to our work with or without direct client contact.
2. Service Users
Confidentiality is held between the service users and the service, not between the service user and the individual worker.
The information shared between clinical practitioners and service users is confidential and will not be shared with any third party outside of ZunTold services without written authorisation. It is recognised however, that relevant matters concerning service users will be discussed internally with other workers, this should be conducted behind closed doors in a secure environment (face to face or digitally) without the threat of any other person over hearing.
Such discussions will only be conducted on a need-to-know basis, in line with best practice and within our clinical governance, safeguarding, data protection and risk management policies.
3. Breaching Confidentiality
There are circumstances in which services cannot legally or ethically maintain confidentiality. Wherever possible and within the best interests of all concerned, ZunTold will make every attempt to communicate first with the client explaining the reasons for the need to pass on information and to whom this will be given.
Confidentiality can only be breached under specific circumstances as follows:
- If a disclosure is made about terrorist activity, we are legally required to disclose this to the authorities.
- If a client informs us of their decision to cause serious harm to another person this must be disclosed to the authorities.
- Safeguarding Children: if a client talks of known ongoing abuse of a named child we must encourage them to disclose, if they will not then we must do so.
- Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults: If there is a serious risk of harm or abuse to a vulnerable adult, there is a duty of protection to such vulnerable adults. Information may need to be passed on to the appropriate agencies in order to protect vulnerable adults who could be at risk.
Any circumstances where confidentiality may be breached must be taken to the Operations Lead. In the absence of the Operations Lead this responsibility falls to the CEO and Founder before any disclosure is made (See Clinical Governance, Safeguarding and Risk Management Policy and Procedures). ZunTold will be accountable to their clients and to their profession for their management of confidentiality in general and, particularly, for any disclosures made without their client's consent.
4. ZunTold Employees, Volunteers & Associates
Disclosures of information on any volunteer, associate or staff member to any third party outside of ZunTold can only take place with written authorisation of the worker concerned. This includes any personal identifiable information (PII) such as names, addresses or telephone numbers.
During induction to the company all staff will be asked to agree to, abide by and respect the confidentiality policy. Any person who breaches this policy will be subject to disciplinary proceedings and may be asked to leave the organisation (See Disciplinary Procedure).