Officer Code of Conduct - Disclosure and confidentiality of information

3.1 The council is required by law to make certain types of information available to Councillors, auditors, government departments, service users, regulators and the general public. However, prior to the release of any data or information an employee must consider and be confident that this is not in breach of data protection legislation, or other legal or council requirements for confidentiality. If in any doubt, officers must check with their manager prior to the release of the information.

3.2 Personal data obtained in the course of employment should always be treated confidentially and only be disclosed in accordance with data protection legislation or other legal or council requirements. 

3.3 Officers must comply with all current legislation, such as the Data Protection Act and Freedom of Information Act regarding the disclosure of information and the council’s associated polices and procedures. Further information and advice on responsibilities under the Act are available from the Council’s Data Protection Officer. 

3.4 Officers should not use any information obtained in the course of their work for personal gain or benefit, nor should they pass it on to others who might use it in such a way. If officers receive specific information, from whatever source, in the course of carrying out their duty, they should not divulge it, except where such disclosure is required or sanctioned by the law. 

3.5 Officers should not disclose, without express permission, information relating to exempt agenda items and reports. No reports relating to staffing, financial, commercial, disciplinary, political or other confidential matters should be disclosed to any unauthorised person without the prior express permission of the council, or the Chief Executive.

3.6 Officers should be aware that in the course of their work, they may have access to personal or otherwise confidential information, some of which may fall within the scope of the Data Protection Legislation. The council expects officers to respect the confidentiality of all information, both during and subsequent to a period of employment with the council, in accordance with its Data Protection Policy.

3.7 The leaking of confidential or exempt information to a third party may be viewed as a disciplinary matter, and may also result in legal action being taken.