New Report And Guidance On Data And Cyber Security For Social Care Services
Digital Social Care has been working with the Local Government Association, NHS Digital and NHSX on how to help care providers benefit from the increased use of digital technology while also keeping safe and secure.
Over the last year, 24 local projects and 57 individual care providers have been exploring practical solutions to the challenges of data and cyber security. Nine of the projects were led by local care associations, nine by local councils, four by national trade associations and two by individual care providers.
The full programme report, written by the Institute of Public Care at Oxford Brookes University, and some associated information can be downloaded via the Digital Social Care website.
The report highlights that, while there are great benefits to the increased use of digital technology in care services, there are risks in areas such as smartphone use, password practice, backups and staff training and awareness. The programme is developing a range of tools and guidance and the first of these, guidance on data and cyber security training materials, has been published alongside the programme report.
There is also new guidance for the commissioners of adult social care services – local councils and CCGs. The guidance has been published by the Local Government Association and can be viewed here.
Ian Turner, who leads the programme on behalf of Digital Social Care and the Care Provider Alliance, said:
“We know that while they meet the challenges of COVID-19, care providers have never been busier, and that data and cyber security may not seem an immediate priority at this time. However, the risks are still out there, and I would encourage all care providers to look carefully at this topic when they are able to. We hope that the information and guidance we publish will help them to do so.”
Digital Social Care is asking every care provider to sign up to receive further updates and information through the Digital Social Care newsletter.
