Data Security and Protection Toolkit: update for adult social care providers (Updated 4th March 2021)
This update is to tell you about changes to the social care view of the Data Security and Protection Toolkit. This includes information about key actions to take, what changes you will see and support and guidance available.
Data Security and Protection Toolkit: update for adult social care providers
This update is to tell you about changes to the social care view of the Data Security and Protection Toolkit. This includes information about key actions to take, what changes you will see and support and guidance available.
Key changes
1. Restructuring of evidence items
The layout of the evidence items will be changed. There are no changes to the wording or requirements of these evidence items. They will be displayed in 4 categories:
1 - Staffing and roles
2 - Data security
3 - Policies and procedures
4 - IT systems and devices
2. Removal of Entry Level and the introduction of Approaching Standards
Entry Level was introduced on a temporary basis and was only available for social care and other smaller organisations. Entry Level demonstrates compliance with basic legal requirements. This level will come to an end on 4 March 2021.
A new Approaching Standards status will be introduced on 5 March 2021. Approaching Standards is not a direct replacement for Entry Level. It is a new status available to care providers who have demonstrated good progress but have not yet reached Standards Met.
Actions to take:
1 - If you have already published a self-assessment for 2020/21 at Entry Level, you should reassess your publication and achieve Approaching Standards as a minimum by 30 June 2021.
2 - If you have already published a self-assessment for 2020/21 at Standards Met no further action is required for 2020/21.
Key dates
Providers who are completing the DSPT at local level using the location’s V code or a head office code beginning A or C will see these changes from 5 March 2021.
Support
The Better Security, Better Care support programme is being rolled out to help care providers to understand and reach Approaching Standards and above. The programme includes: new guidance from Digital Social Care; films; webinars; FAQs; a comprehensive local support programme with a strong focus on small and medium sized organisations; and a national support programme for larger care groups. This support programme is being rolled out from 5 March 2021. Details will be available on the Digital Social Care website.
If you have queries about Approaching Standards, you can contact the Digital Social Care Team at hello@digitalsocialcare.co.uk.
Oxford Brookes University are running webinars to explain what is changing in relation to Approaching Standards in more detail:
- Monday 15 March 12 noon- 12.45 pm
- Tuesday 24 March 12 noon- 12.45 pm
