The Data Security and Protection Toolkit is an online self-assessment tool that allows organisations to measure their performance against the National Data Guardian’s 10 data security standards.
All organisations that have access to NHS patient data and systems must use this toolkit to provide assurance that they are practising good data security and that personal information is handled correctly.
This system is subject to ongoing development.
What's new?
DSPT Independent Assurance and Audit 2024-25 (29 November 2024)
Guidance for all Independent Providers who have been designated Operators of Essential Services, and IT Suppliers, to have a DSPT Audit to the required mandatory scope and framework methodology. A summary guide for NHS organisations and the list of mandatory outcomes to audit is now available, with detailed guidance to follow in a couple of weeks (mid December 2024).
Toolkit webinar slides (Updated 18 March 2025)
Including video and presentation slides from recent Webinar sessions including the changes to the DSPT for 24-25 for NHS Trusts, ALBs, ICB and CSUs. Slides from Auditor presentation 06 February 2025 and CAN conference recently added.
Toolkit webinars and update events (18 March 2025)
Includes details of the new webinar for auditors of large NHS organisations covering the updated audit guidance and scheduled webinars through to June 2025.
Changes to DSPT guidance for E3.a and E4.a and Audit guidance for Objective E for NHS Trusts, ICBs, ALBs and CSUs (05 March 2025)
Details of changes to the DSPT guidance and audit guidance implemented 05.05.2025 for NHS Trusts, ICBs, ALBs and CSUs
DSPT 2024-25 Guide for CAF-aligned DSPT independent assessors, audit guide for all outcomes and templates have been published for NHS Trusts, CSUs, ICBs and ALBs (28 January 2024)
Provides guidance for how outcomes in 2024-2025 Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) will be audited, lists the mandatory audit outcomes and flags the requirement for the organisation to select four further outcomes to be audited.
Assertions and Evidence items for the Data Security and Protection Toolkit 2024-25 version 7 (21 October 2024)
Key facts and assertions and evidence items for the Data Security and Protection Toolkit 2024-25 (version 7). Updated spreadsheet version for Category 2 organisations.
