The skills you need guide to interpersonal skills

Learning to navigate your way through the choppy waters of 
confidentiality can be very challenging. It is, however, important 
for good interpersonal relationships.

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ADVANCED COMMUNICATION SKILLS
WHAT IS CONFIDENTIALITY?
If something is confidential, it has been ‘given in confidence’, that is, 
in the trust that it will be kept secret. The root of the word is ‘confide’ 
or to tell someone something secret, often reluctantly.
There are many types of information that are broadly confidential, including 
personal information (names, addresses, contact details and so on), medical 
or health information, and information about people’s behaviour or habits 
and activities. Some types of information are protected by law, including 
personal information.
It is therefore helpful to be aware of the legal situation before you share any type 
of information about other people.
CONFIDENTIALITY IN THE WORKPLACE
There may be many circumstances in the workplace when you are privy to 
confidential information. It is important to understand these, and be sure that 
what you are doing is consistent with expectations and legal requirements. If in 
doubt, talk to your HR department or manager before sharing any information.

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ADVANCED COMMUNICATION SKILLS
DATA PROTECTION LAW AND CONFIDENTIALITY
A number of countries and territories have formal laws governing data protection.
These include the United Kingdom and Europe, where the General Data Protection 
Regulation came into force in 2018. The EU General Data Protection Regulation, or 
GDPR, is unusual because it covers all personal information relating to EU citizens, 
regardless of who is holding or processing the information. It therefore binds 
companies from anywhere in the world, 
if they hold data about EU citizens
.
Regardless of where you live or work, if you hold any data that can help to identify 
an individual—including names, addresses, other contact details, and any sensitive 
information such as medical records or bank details—you should, as a matter of 
good practice:
• 
Take steps to protect that information, for example, 
by password-protecting electronic files, and locking 
hard-copy information away securely; and
• 
Ensure that you understand the law on data protection 
in your location, as it affects you. You may need to take 
independent legal advice to be sure about this.
STOP! ASK BEFORE YOU SHARE
One very good way of being confident that you are protecting other people’s 
personal information is always to ask before you share. Whether you are sharing 
on social media, or just passing on a phone number to a friend, always ask the 
person concerned before you do it.

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ADVANCED COMMUNICATION SKILLS
PROFESSIONAL CONFIDENTIALITY
Some professionals are privy to very sensitive information in the course 
of their jobs. For example:
•