Confidentiality

Leeds Nightline offers an anonymous, confidential, non-judgemental, non-directive and non-advisory listening service to students at Higher Educational Institutions in Leeds including the University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds Trinity University, Leeds College of Music, Leeds Arts University, Backstage Academy and the Northern School of Contemporary Dance. All calls are documented using anonymised information on a secure system to assist with volunteer training and welfare monitoring. This documentation can only be accessed by current Nightline volunteers.

Leeds Nightline will only break confidentiality and disclose information to relevant third parties in the following circumstances:

• If a caller has taken steps towards suicide:
  • We will ask if they would like the emergency services and can contact them on the callers behalf if they reveal their location and a contact phone number.
  • Leeds Nightline are unable to identify the location of a call unless this is revealed by the caller. This circumstance requires the caller’s consent.

• If a caller provides information regarding a threat of terrorism:
  • Leeds Nightline is obligated under the Terrorism Act 2000, Section 38B(1)(2) to contact the police.
  • Examples of these types of information are as follows:
    • A caller has informed us that they will carry out a terrorist attack in the next 48 hours. Leeds Nightline will contact the police and inform them of details we receive.
    • A caller has informed us that they have planted a bomb. This would be classified as ‘Terrorism’. We would contact the police on this basis.

• If a caller provides information regarding Serious Harm (imminent, threatening or a report):
  • Leeds Nightline will contact and inform the police.
  • Examples of these types of information are as follows:
    • A caller has informed us that they have just stabbed their flatmate in an argument and they are currently bleeding. There is a reasonable expectation that without immediate medical attention, this person would die. We would contact the police on the basis of ‘Serious Harm – Imminent’.
    • A caller has informed us that they plan to attack their flatmate tonight. This may require immediate emergency intervention to preserve life. It is planned in the next 24 hours. We would contact the police concerning ‘Serious Harm – Threat’.
    • A caller has informed us that they have killed another person. We would contact the police regarding ‘Serious Harm – Report’.

• If a caller declares information of current, ongoing or historic threat to a minor (a person under the age of eighteen) against either themselves or another minor:
  • Leeds Nightline will contact the police and NSPCC.
  • Examples of these types of information are as follows:
    • A caller has informed us that they are worried about the child next door being abused by their legal guardians. We would contact NSPCC on the basis of ‘Child Protection’.
    • A caller has informed us that their legal guardian hits them for no reason. This would be classified as abuse and NSPCC would be contacted.

• If Leeds Nightline receives a court order.
  • In these circumstances the caller will be informed about the breach in confidentiality unless to do so may result in a further risk of harm to either the caller or other individuals.
  • We may also keep personally identifiable information to assist with this but this will be deleted as soon as possible.

In all other circumstances Leeds Nightline will continue to offer a listening service to its callers in line with our core values (anonymous, confidential, non-judgemental, non-advisory and non-directive)

If you have any queries about our confidentiality policy you can contact Leeds Nightline at: external@leedsnightline.co.uk.