Public inquiry bid into data sharing

Campaigners have called for an independent public inquiry into the human rights impact of Scottish ministers’ datasharing policies.

They say the Scottish Government’s Getting It Right For Every Child (GIRFEC) policy and early implementation of its named person scheme have led to unlawful data collection and a loss of trust in services among families.

Lesley Scott from Tymes Trust – a charity for children with ME – and Alison Preuss of the Scottish Home Education Forum submitted a petition to Parliament highlighting issues with the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014, which legislates for the named person regime.

The scheme would see a single point of contact, such as a teacher or health visitor, appointed to look out for the welfare of all children. Further legislation aimed at resolving the issue has been delayed.