Information pack

Confidentiality &
Managing Information
Code of Confidentiality
Within the mentoring relationship, it is important that the mentee knows that many
things they tell are, and will remain, confidential. However, they also have to be aware
that should they disclose anything which is illegal, or has the potential to cause harm
to themselves or others, the mentor has a duty to pass it on to an appropriate person.
❚ At the start of the placement (usually as part of the set-up meeting) the Breakthrough co-ordinator will
explain the code of confidentiality to the mentee.
❚ If there is a need to breach confidentiality (as explained above), Breakthrough or a relevant agency will
then explain to the mentee, prior to it happening, why this information needs to be shared and who will
be told. Where this is not possible (in an emergency) the mentee will be told of the breach at the earliest
opportunity.
❚ Any information passed to a mentor may be shared with the Breakthrough co-ordinator if the mentor
deems necessary. However, this information will not be shared with a third party outside the project
without permission from the source unless there is a risk of significant harm to an individual.
❚ Each mentee will be made aware that information is compiled on them and then shared with a mentor.
Mentees have the right to see any written information about them, in the presence of their mentor or the
co-ordinator.
❚ Mentors should not discuss personal details about any mentee with anyone outside the Breakthrough
project.
❚ Mentors should be clear about what information they wish to share with a mentee and should not be
pressured to move from this.
❚ Where mentors record information, they should not record the mentee’s full name. First names or initials
would be appropriate.