St John’s College JJCR Confidentiality Policy

Student welfare officers (elected members of the Welfare Committee and Student 2 Student Supporters ) should keep information given to them in confidence except where:

1. The student and the welfare officer both agree that the welfare officer may take the information to a third party.
2. Information disclosed indicates that anyone, including the student concerned, is at risk of harm - especially in circumstances where information concerning terrorism, drug dealing or child abuse arises.
3. The student welfare officer takes the issues surrounding the situation to the University Counselling Service or DSU advice centre for further guidance. In this case any names of those involved MUST NOT be referred to, and information which might indicate that person’s identity should be avoided.

Permission should be sought before confidentiality is breached as a result of clause 2. If permission is not granted, the welfare officer must explain his/her obligation to take the information further.
In 2, persons to receive this information may include:

• The emergency services and/or Social services
• The University Counselling services
• The Person(s) in danger
• The Senior Tutor or acting senior tutor
• The Principal or acting Principal
• The Resident Tutors
• The Chaplain

Other students who are not in danger should not receive this information
This welfare Confidentiality Policy should be made widely available, on the welfare board and online, and students must be made aware of its content whenever they come for support.