GPs are now legally required to proactively share information about children with other safeguarding organisations where there are concerns about their welfare, even if they are not yet at risk of harm.
New Government guidance, which came into effect 30 September, said the common law duty of confidentiality does not apply for sharing this information – and parental consent does not need to be sought or obtained.
Government guidance on the changes said safeguarding organisations had been ‘unsure about when they can share information, particularly where concerns relate to a child’s welfare or emerging need, rather than harm’.
The guidance said: ‘To address this the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 amended the Children Act 2004 to make clear that there is no requirement for a child to meet a particular statutory threshold before information can be shared.
‘Under the information sharing duty, information must be shared where it is relevant to safeguarding and promoting a child’s welfare, including where concerns relate to early help, prevention and unmet need.’
GP practices can request relevant information from other organisations and professionals covered by the scope of the duty, and vice versa.
Some GP leaders welcomed earlier recognition of potential risks but warned the changes could impact patients’ disclosure of potential risk behaviours as well as create an increase to unfunded GP workload.
Source: Pulse, 14 October 2026
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