Skip to main content

Well-Being Champions Network

Well-being Champions Network
Join the Network

How should we handle confidentiality, reporting and legal responsibility?

← All questions

Last updated 10 November 2026

We need to know the rules We're setting up peer supportAsked at WELLx October 2026For Champions, Peer Supporters
In short

Keep conversations private unless someone’s life or safety is at risk or the law requires action, and record that support took place, not what was said. For legal responsibility, get advice for your own situation.

Unfortunately, we cannot give a general answer on legal responsibility, as it depends on the facts and your own policies. We suggest agreeing the role, its limits and the escalation route in writing, and getting legal advice for your own situation.

What to do

  1. Explain the limits of confidentiality at the start Peer Supporters keep conversations private unless someone’s life or safety is at risk, or the law or your harassment policy requires action. In those cases, they bring in someone who can help. Explaining this at the start means the person knows what to expect.
  2. Record that support took place, not what was said, such as the number of conversations and the type of referral made. Store it securely with limited access, and check it against your obligations under the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA).
  3. Make sure every supporter knows who to call and when If there is immediate danger to life, call 995.
  4. Ask your EAP provider how they report usage Reports to employers should only show overall numbers, with no names and no groups small enough to identify anyone.
  5. For leave and return to work, agree adjustments with the employee and, where needed, their doctor. Only share medical details with those who need them (see An employee is coming back after mental health-related leave. How do we plan their return?).

Watch out for

  • Design the rules around protecting the person who speaks up, not around what is convenient for the organisation.
  • Peer Supporters listen, support and refer. They do not diagnose, counsel or treat. Staying within this role protects them and the person they are helping.

Related questions

Related questionHow should the Peer Supporter role be set up?Related questionWho supports the Peer Supporter?

Was this answer helpful?

Share this answer

WhatsAppEmail
Next in We need to know the rules →Should the government make workplace well-being mandatory before companies act?

See all questions. This is general guidance, not legal or clinical advice. Can’t find your answer? Email hello@wellbeingchampions.sg.