Can a SIRO and Caldicott Guardian Be the Same Person?

While it is technically possible for a single individual to act as both Senior Information Risk Owner (SIRO) and Caldicott Guardian, it is not recommended.

These roles have distinct and sometimes conflicting focuses:

• The SIRO oversees strategic information risk and governance.

• The Caldicott Guardian safeguards patient confidentiality and ethical information sharing.

Combining these roles may compromise independence and create conflicts of interest, particularly where ethical decisions about patient data intersect with organisational risk management. Best practice recommends separate appointments for transparency and accountability.