More Care Providers Than Ever Strengthening Data Security

There's some fantastic news for the adult social care sector this summer. Across England, a record number of care providers have successfully completed the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT), showing a growing commitment to keeping people's information safe and secure.

By the June 2026 deadline, almost 76.5% of CQC-registered adult social care services had an up-to-date DSPT in place. That's an impressive 22,429 services, including 12,887 care homes and 9,562 home care providers.

Perhaps even more encouraging is the long-term progress. Back in 2021, only around 15% of services had completed the toolkit. Fast forward five years, and the DSPT has become a recognised part of everyday good practice across the sector.

How Are We Performing Locally?

The Devon Care Home Collaborative is pleased to see strong engagement across our local areas, with registration rates particularly encouraging.

Local Spotlight

While the national compliance rate stands at 76.5%, Torbay (78.43%) is currently performing above the national average, with Devon at 73.26% and Plymouth (74.65%) and Even more encouraging are the registration rates, with all three areas exceeding 85%, demonstrating excellent engagement from providers across the region.

DSPT Compliance Rates

• Devon: 69.47%
• Plymouth: 74.65%
• Torbay: 78.43%

DSPT Registration Rates

• Devon: 85.68%
• Plymouth: 87.32%
• Torbay: 94.12%

These figures show that the vast majority of providers across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay are actively engaged with the DSPT process. While there is still work to do to convert registrations into completed submissions, the high levels of participation demonstrate a real commitment to improving data security, cyber resilience and digital maturity across the sector.

A Positive Sign of Progress

The national numbers tell an encouraging story, but it's the consistency behind them that really stands out.

Nearly 14,500 services have completed and published their DSPT for at least three consecutive years. This shows that providers aren't simply ticking a box; they're regularly reviewing their data protection processes, strengthening cyber security measures, and ensuring they continue to meet evolving standards.

For residents, families and staff, this helps build confidence that personal information is being handled safely and responsibly.

It's About More Than Compliance

While achieving DSPT compliance is a significant achievement, the real benefit comes from putting those standards into practice every day.

Good data security supports safer care, better communication with health and care partners, and protects the sensitive information that providers handle on a daily basis. From staff training and policy reviews to secure information sharing, the DSPT helps create strong foundations for modern, digitally enabled care services.

The next challenge for the sector is not simply completing the toolkit, but making sure the principles behind it are embedded throughout organisations. Strong cyber security, effective information governance and confident digital working all contribute to safer, more connected care.

Didn't Complete Your DSPT This Year?

If your service didn't quite reach the June deadline, don't be discouraged.

Many providers have made significant progress and the most important thing is to continue working towards completion. Support remains available through the Digital Care Hub and local support organisations, and completing the DSPT can still bring valuable benefits to your service, your team and the people you support.

Every completed toolkit helps strengthen the sector's overall resilience and demonstrates a commitment to protecting the people who rely on our services.

Why This Matters for Devon

At the Devon Care Home Collaborative, we know just how much work goes into running a quality care service. Balancing resident care, workforce pressures, regulatory requirements and digital transformation is no small task.

That's why it's so encouraging to see providers across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay embracing the DSPT and demonstrating their commitment to good data security and information governance.

As digital technologies become increasingly important in health and social care, having strong systems and processes in place helps providers work more effectively, collaborate safely with partners and, most importantly, support better outcomes for the people in their care.

Free Digital Health Checks Available

Completing the DSPT is a great achievement, but how can you be sure that your policies, procedures and cyber security arrangements are working effectively in practice?

The Digital Health Check programme is now available to adult social care providers and offers a free, supportive review of your current arrangements. Following a successful pilot, the programme is now being rolled out to help providers strengthen their approach to data protection and cyber security.

The checks are completely confidential, practical and not a pass-or-fail assessment. They are designed to:

• Highlight what's working well within your organisation.
• Identify any gaps in policies, systems or day-to-day practice.
• Provide practical, tailored recommendations.
• Increase staff confidence in handling information safely.
• Strengthen evidence for future DSPT submissions.
• Support positive conversations with commissioners, the NHS, local authorities and CQC.
• Help you develop an action plan for continual improvement.

Whether you're preparing your DSPT, have recently completed it, or simply want reassurance that your arrangements are effective, a Digital Health Check can help you take the next step on your digital journey.

Get in Touch

The Devon Care Home Collaborative is proud to offer these free Digital Health Checks to providers across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay.

To find out more or arrange your Digital Health Check, please contact:

sara.small@devoncarehomes.org

carla.selway@devoncarehomes.org

Congratulations

Congratulations to all providers who have completed their DSPT this year. Your commitment is helping to build a safer, more secure and digitally confident care sector across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay, ensuring that residents, families and staff can have confidence that information is being managed safely and responsibly.