Data Security and Protection ToolKit
           (DSPT)

As care providers, it is essential to securely store and share both paper and digital information. Confidence in how we handle and share information is key. With growing regulatory, policy, and legislative changes, demonstrating that we can securely share information has become even more important.

To meet these requirements, care providers should use the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) to assess compliance with data security standards. Completing the DSPT to the "Standards Met" level is the minimum requirement for health and social care organisations to access services such as Digital Social Care Records or proxy access.

The Better Security, Better Care program provides free national and local support to guide care providers in understanding these responsibilities and completing the DSPT. At DCHC, in collaboration with NHS Devon ICB, we are coordinating this program and strongly recommend taking advantage of our FREE support.

Downloadable Resources: 

The DSPT programme will help you to evaluate and improve your data and cyber security. This means you can reassure the people you support and their families, your staffcommissioners, CQC regulators, local authorities and health and care partners, that you are following good practice – and meeting legal and regulatory requirements.

You do not have to be a data or digital expert to get support. The programme can support you – wherever you are on your data security journey. And it has been confirmed that the programme will continue through 2024/2025.

Your DSPT Journey

Step One:  Get Started and Register

If you have never started the DSPT, or maybe have done some work on it in previous years, come along to one of our introductory sessions to get started. 

Getting Started Webinar sessions are being held by our national team, for the latest times please visit: Digital Care Hub - Events Page

Using the Data Security and Protection Toolkit for the first time sign up here

Review and Republish your toolkit sign up here

What the National Team will cover

  • What is the toolkit?
  • Why should we register?
  • What does it offer and the benefits?
  • How to register
  • How to access your ODS Code

Step Two : Tailored 1-2-1 support and guidance

If you've already made a start to the DSPT and would like some support answering the questions, then we are offering tailored 1-2-1 sessions, which have proved to be very time efficient, in order to support you. 

We will cover all sections of the Toolkit, broken down, question by question.

These are 2 hour sessions, we can take longer if needed, we work at your speed and are happy to host additional sessions if needed.

Please contact myself or Carla directly for assistance or to book in - sara.small@devoncarehomes.org or sara.small1@nhs.net

carla.selway@devoncarehomes.org

NB: For these sessions you need to already have registered with the DSPT Toolkit  and have your ICO registration in place.

If you need any assistance whilst completing the DSPT, we have also launched a local helpline to assist you with any questions and signposting to resources.

DSPT Devon, Cornwall, Plymouth and Torbay helpline: 01626 912620.

The helpline is open from 10am - 4pm Monday to Friday.

Digital Resources

Regardless of where you are with your digital journey you will find a wealth of resources here:

Digital Care Hub

Providing advice and support to the adult social care sector on technology, data protection and cyber security. 

Signing up for NHS Mail

A guide to getting a secure email system including NHSmail.

NHS Mail Shared Mailbox 

A guide to accessing the shared mailbox and how to add users.

Multi Factor Authentication (MFA)

The latest update on MFA from NHS Mail, how will this affect your organisation and deadline dates.

Latest Guidance

A collection of useful guidance from Digital Care Hub including contract guidance, template policies, information sharing, documenting data processing and information on the Data Security and Protection Toolkit. 

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