Confidentiality is considered to be one of the foundations of the accompaniment relationship.  When directees want to share or disclose personal information they will feel more confident about doing this if they are reassured that their personal information will be discussed and recorded in confidence.

There are ethical and legal frameworks about the protection of sensitive information and there are also legal and ethical frameworks for the protection of the public and individuals.

There may be occasions where there is a perceived conflict between the professional and moral duty of confidentiality and the need to disclose information that is considered to be in the public interest or individual protection.