le, explaining the likely course of action, guided by the LADO, and the police where necessary • advise the individual to contact their trade union representative, or a colleague for support • appoint a named representative to keep the person informed about the progress of the case • provide access to counselling or medical advice where appropriate. For staff in schools maintained by the local authority this may include support via the local authority’s occupational health arrangements, and • not prevent social contact with work colleagues and friends, when staff are suspended, unless there is evidence to suggest this may prejudice the gathering of evidence. 393. Parents or carers of the child or children involved should be: • formally told about the allegation as soon as possible.130 The case manager should consult the LADO and where involved, local authority children’s social care and/or the police on what information can be disclosed 130 In deciding what information is disclosed, careful consideration should be given to the provisions of the Data Protection Act 2018, the law of confidence and, where relevant, the Human Rights Act 1998. 101 • kept informed about the progress of the case, only in relation to their child - no information can be shared regarding the staff member, and • made aware of the requirement to maintain confidentiality and unwanted publicity about any allegations made against teachers in schools whilst investigations are in progress as set out in section 141F of the Education Act 2002. Confidentiality and Information sharing 394. In an allegations management meeting or during the initial assessment of the case, the agencies involved should share all relevant information they have about the person who is the subject of the allegation, and about the