NW ADASS issues Data Security and Protection Toolkit support for commissioners
The North West Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (NW ADASS) has published guidance to support Adult Social Care (ASC) Commissioners in increasing the implementation of the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) across the ASC market.
The DSPT is an annual self-assessment that shows care providers what they need to do to keep people’s paper or digital information safe and protect their business from the risk of a data breach or a cyber-attack. It reassures everyone they work with, as well as their clients and families, that they are taking data security seriously and supports them in running a care service that people can trust.
The initiative is supported by Better Security, Better Care, a national and local support programme that assists adult social care providers to store and share information safely and raise awareness among providers of the importance of data and cyber security. It is led by a programme board whose members include, NHS Digital, NHS England and Improvement, the Local Government Association, the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services and Digital Social Care, which acts on behalf of care providers.
The new guidance provides:
- Example wording of DSPT requirements for councils to adopt and adapt as ASC contracts are revised or renewed.
- Guidance on monitoring provider adherence to DSPT requirements within contracts as part of the Better Security, Better Care programme.
Michelle Corrigan, Programme Director of Better Security, Better Care, the official programme of support that helps adult social care providers store and share information safely, said: “We are delighted that NW ADASS is providing this support to commissioners. The guide will help councils encourage adult social care providers to evaluate and improve their data security, whether they be digital or paper-based, by completing their DSPT. This is one of many ways local authorities can support implementation of the DSPT among adult social care providers.”
The document is available here and has been developed with input from colleagues at Wakefield, Tameside, Lancashire, and Blackburn with Darwen Councils.
For more information, contact:
Iris Steen, Communications Lead (Better Security, Better Care), Digital Social Care
Email: iris.steen@digitalsocialcare.co.uk
Tel: 07792 636 761
