confidentiality

Everyday

1. Keeping private information secret and only sharing it with people who are allowed to know it. tree →
2. (law) A duty or agreement to keep information private, as doctors, lawyers and counsellors must. tree →

In the lessons

In adult life, doctors, nurses, school counsellors and banks keep information confidential. In PSHE lessons, pupils learn that school staff keep things private except when a child might be in danger — then they must tell people who can help. It tells the reader information is private and protected. Phrases: «patient confidentiality», «a confidentiality agreement», «in confidence».

Examples

• Doctors must respect patient confidentiality. tree →
• The counsellor explained the rules about confidentiality. tree →
• Mum signed a confidentiality agreement at her new job. tree →
• Confidentiality means your records are not shown to strangers. tree →
• If you are in danger, a teacher must share the information to keep you safe. tree →
• The bank takes confidentiality seriously. tree →

Note

Uncountable. Adjective: confidential (private, secret). Say «kon-fih-den-shee-AL-ih-tee». Confidentiality has limits: staff must act to protect children's safety.