Communication is key to successful information sharing throughout all stages of the process and should be considered at every stage of the process.  Given below are some examples of the important role played by communications in the development of information sharing initiatives.

Leicestershire Multi Agency Information Sharing Hub

Briefing sessions for frontline practitioners were planned and led by colleagues from within  Leicestershire County Council.  Lasting half a day, the briefings were opened to all practitioners within the pilot area and pilot professions.  The session was developed to introduce the concept; provide a broad outline of the operating procedures; and give an opportunity for questions or queries to be raised.

Senior management from the partner organisations participating in the pilot phase were also in attendance.  This gave a clear message on the importance of engaging with the pilot, and demonstrated strong organisational support.  Senior management were also to provide assurances to practitioners that issues or queries raised during the sessions would be addressed, and that they would be supported to participate in the pilot phase.

Melton co-location workshops

In preparation for co-location into a new building, partners participated in a series of workshops to explore attitudes to information sharing, and to develop guidance suitable for all organisations within the new location.  Workshops were attended by frontline practitioners, and by senior managers; this reiterated the importance of engagement and attendance to all staff, as well as providing assurance that any agreements made during the workshops would be endorsed at senior level within their organisations.