Every organisation that holds records about children or adults must have policies and procedures in place regarding the retention and storage of that information. Clear guidelines for the retention, storage and destruction of child protection records are also required as part of safeguarding policies and procedures.
We’ve created this guidance to help organisations understand the principles of keeping and managing records about child protection concerns. It introduces key points you need to consider when developing or reviewing your child protection records retention and storage policy and signposts to further information.
This guidance will be helpful to anyone who has to keep child protection records. However some organisations, for example those in the education and health sectors, should also refer to sector-specific guidance.
Child protection records retention and storage guidance
Access our wide range of safeguarding resources including guidance on managing allegations of abuse, photography and sharing images and writing a safeguarding policy.
Insight from case reviews around best practice for multi-agency working and information sharing.
What to do if you have concerns that a child you know through your work or volunteering has experienced abuse and neglect.
