Sosiaalialan tiedonhallinnan sanasto
© National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), 2025
The glossary is available:
- in Sote-sanastot
- in the TEPA Term Bank
Languages of the glossary:
- Terms: Finnish, Swedish
- Concept descriptions: Finnish, Swedish
The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) maintains the Glossary of Information Management in Social Sector. The updated version of the glossary was published in April 2025.
The glossary contains information on ca 450 concepts that are related to social service commissions, social services, service processes and documentation of client data. The glossary clarifies the content of the concepts with the help of definitions and complementing notes in Finnish and Swedish and gives recommendations on terms. In addition, many concept systems are illustrated with concept diagrams in Finnish.
The Glossary of Information Management in Social Sector is an important part of developing information management in the enterprise architecture for public administration. The development improves the interoperability of information systems, and sharing and use of information. One objective of the recommendations given in the glossary is to harmonize the use of social sector terms nationwide. The glossary is meant for the developers of information systems, professionals who handle client information or develop operations in social welfare, and other experts who need to know the meaning of terms in social sector. Harmonized terms also benefit citizens who apply for and use social services, and collaborating partners in social welfare.
Legislation on social welfare and THL’s specifications of information management in social sector have been the prime source material for the updates to the glossary.