1.1Identify legislation and codes of practice that relate to handling information in social care settings
The Data Protection Act is a form of legislation, which is used to outline the legal obligations when handling an individual’s personal information. The legislation is used not only to protect the individual but to also protect those who are handling the information.
1.2Explain how legal requirements and codes of practice inform practice in handling information
Under the Data Protection Act, there are particular requirements that have to be followed, in order for the information to be handle in the correct manner. These areas are listed as follows:
You are only allowed to obtain information that is needed for a specific purpose.
You
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It is imperative that all information carried out on a day-to-day basis has been thoroughly checked and signed by the individual, as a form of clarification that their information has been accurately documented. This ensure that their information is authentic, up-to-date and legible, if it had to be used in court.
2.2 Describe practices that ensure security when storing and accessing information
When handling personal information, it is very important that the information is securely stored away, in order for it not to be misplaced. There are two ways in which information can be securely stored and they are as follows:
When filing information on a computer, you have to ensure that it has a ‘Password’. This password should only be accessed by members of staff that need to retrieve relevant information relating to a subject or individual.
When handling paper documentation, you have to ensure that the documents are filed and locked away in a secure cabinet, within an office that only staff are able to access.
2.3 Describe features of manual and electronic information storage systems that help ensure