The sharing of information and knowledge with external partners, other government departments, UK and international organisations and individuals can be crucial to DFID's functions. Information sharing supports our delivery of overseas development assistance and is also necessary for the exercise of many corporate support functions. Information sharing is central to DFID's transparency commitments.
Information may be shared proactively by DFID or may be shared in response to a request for information from a partner organisation, other government department or member of the public (under Freedom of Information legislation, for example).
All staff have a general authority to share information in their official capacity which is necessary for the carrying out of their official functions. Improper use of official information may breach the contractual obligations of DFID staff.
Information should however only be shared where there is a legitimate business need to do so. DFID information must only be used and shared for official DFID purposes and not for any other reason. Even unclassified (not protectively marked) information is official information and should not be disclosed to external organisations unless there is a business need to do so. 'Business need' should be understood to mean that the information sharing is necessary for any activity undertaken by DFID staff acting in an official capacity. Please read the full policy document listed under processes and tools for full details.
1. All disclosures of DFID information are to be made in accordance with DFID's Information Sharing Policy, related DFID policy and procedures, processes and tools.
Task assigned to: All Staff
2. Staff must not brief or provide information to journalists without prior approval from Press Office.
3. Staff will not disclose information in response to the Freedom of Information Act, Data Protection Act, Environmental Information Regulations or Public Records Acts other than as agreed by the DFID Knowledge Information Team team.
4. Information Asset Owners will ensure that any framework for disclosure of information from their assets is agreed, published and communicated to all staff and is founded in consideration of this policy.
Task assigned to: Information Asset Owner
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