Data Security and Protection ToolKit (DSPT)
As care providers, it’s essential to securely store and share both paper and digital information. Confidence in how we handle and share data is key. With growing regulatory and legislative changes, demonstrating secure data sharing is more important than ever.
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 “Standards Met” 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 (BSBC) programme provides free national and local support to guide providers in completing the DSPT. At DCHC, in collaboration with BSBC, we coordinate this programme and strongly recommend taking advantage of our free support.
About the DSPT Programme
The DSPT helps you evaluate and improve data and cyber security so you can reassure people you support, families, staff, regulators, commissioners, and partners that you follow best practice and meet legal requirements.
You don’t need to be a data or digital expert — support is available at every stage of your data security journey.
Your DSPT Journey
Step One: Get Started and Register
If you’ve never started the DSPT or haven’t updated it recently, join an introductory session to get started.
- Getting Started Webinars: Visit the Digital Care Hub Events Page for session times.
- Sign up for “Using the DSPT for the first time”
- Sign up to Review and Republish
What the National Team Covers:
- What the toolkit is
- Why you should register
- Benefits and access
- How to register
- How to access your ODS Code
Step 2 : Tailored 1-2-1 support and Guidance
If you’ve started your DSPT and need extra help, we offer tailored 1-to-1 sessions covering every section, question by question.
- 2-hour sessions (flexible as needed)
- Additional sessions available
Booking Assistance:
Email:
- sara.small@devoncarehomes.org
- sara.small1@nhs.net
- carla.selway@devoncarehomes.org
Alternatively:
- Customer Service Portal – Customer Support
- Email: support.digitalservices@nhs.net
- Phone: 0300 303 5035
Note: You must already be registered with the DSPT and have your ICO registration.
Local helpline
If you need help while completing the DSPT, contact our local helpline for Devon, Cornwall, Plymouth and Torbay:
📞 01626 912620 (Monday–Friday, 10am–4pm)
Digital Resources
A range of tools and guides to support your digital journey:
Digital Care Hub
Advice and support on technology, data protection and cyber security.
Signing up for NHSmail
How to get a secure NHS email account.
NHSmail Shared Mailbox Guide
Accessing and managing shared mailboxes.
Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) Guidance
Information and deadlines for MFA.
Latest Guidance - Digital Care Hub
Includes contract templates, policies, data sharing and documentation resources.
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