The Protocol – which has already been signed by the all the district councils – will enable professionals within the police, education, social services and housing to share information; thereby making Dorset even safer.

The Over-Arching Information Sharing Protocol is designed to enhance information sharing and partnership working between public authorities in Dorset.

Its intention is to ensure that tragedies such as the murders of Jessica Chapman and Holly Wells by Ian Huntley – or the murder of Victoria Climbie by the woman entrusted to care for her – do not happen in Dorset.

Pam Donnellan, Chief Executive of Bournemouth Borough Council, said: 'Public safety is often compromised by breakdowns in communication and a lack of timely sharing of information'.

'These failures have often been highlighted in many of the tragedies that led to loss of life for vulnerable children and adults'.

'Good systems and clear protocols for all public agencies to follow are vital and Dorset needs to be at the forefront of these developments,' she explained.

The drafting of the protocol has been a joint project involving the six district and borough councils, the two unitary authorities of Bournemouth and Poole, Dorset County Council, Dorset Police and Dorset Fire and Rescue Service.

The protocol is a written formal agreement between partner agencies which establishes principles of – and commitment to – lawful information sharing.

It sets down when and how information should be shared and when it should not.

It will also help ensure that personal information is protected and shared only within the law.

The agreement will also make information sharing easier and speedier where such sharing is legitimate.

The protocol is available for use by any partner agency.