Thomas, who is severely learning disabled, has recently joined your residential setting.

You wish to note down some observations of Thomas’ current abilities for your planning. Thomas is incapable of giving consent and his carer, Alice has the legal authority to make decisions on his behalf.

You ask Alice for permission to make the records and she agrees, but asks you how your setting will ensure that the information is kept confidential and stored securely. She also asks under what circumstances you might pass on information from your observations to others. She asks for your advice on how they could be kept safely and in a secure storage system.

1. How would you respond to Alice?

It is rare that there is just one way to respond to a scenario or situation, so do not consider that the responses you have to the above scenario will be judged as right or wrong. Share your scenario with a work colleague or friend and ask them to tell you whether they think you have responded appropriately. Ask them to challenge your response if necessary. You do not need to submit this task for assessment unless asked to do so by your assessor.