A national milestone for the education sector. Every School in Gwynedd Signs the WASPI Accord!

When Ysgol Edern, on the Llyn Peninsula, became the first organisation in Wales to use the new WASPI digital sign-up process, they set an important precedent for schools. That local milestone has evolved into a monumental national achievement as every single school within the Cyngor Gwynedd area have now used the digital sign-up process to become signatories to the Wales Accord on the Sharing of Personal Information (WASPI).

​Achieving a 100% sign-up rate across an entire local authority is a landmark occasion in Wales. It represents far more than an administrative success; it is a profound, collective commitment to responsible data sharing for the safeguarding and welfare of children across the region.

​Dave Parsons, WASPI Code Manager said that “Schools play a frontline, pivotal role in identifying vulnerabilities and ensuring that children and young people receive the right support. When a child is at risk, the ability to collaborate seamlessly with health boards, social services, and emergency responders is critical”.

By universally adopting the WASPI framework, Gwynedd’s educational leaders have ensured that whenever sensitive information needs to be shared to protect a pupil, it will be done on WASPI templates,  securely, and with absolute legal confidence.

All the schools signed-up using the Welsh language form, which is an excellent use of digital services to meet people’s expectations about Welsh language service delivery.

​​Gwern ap Rhisiart, Director of Education for Gwynedd Council expressed immense pride at the achievement, saying “I could not be prouder of this milestone. Effective safeguarding relies on trust and communication. By adopting the WASPI framework, our schools have demonstrated their commitment to ensuring that no child falls through the net because of a hesitation to share information safely and lawfully using WASPI”.

Gwern stated that he was very grateful to Louise Jones, Schools Data Protection Officer for her work in supporting the schools and her advocacy of the WASPI framework.

​​Gwynedd has proven that widespread, rapid adoption of the WASPI Accord and the principles underpinning it is entirely achievable. We celebrate this milestone, Gwynedd have set an inspiring benchmark for every other local authority in Wales to follow.