North West Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (NW ADASS) has published guidance to support adult social care (ASC) commissioners in implementing the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT).

Michelle Corrigan, programme director of Better Security, Better Care – the official programme of support that helps adult social care providers store and share information safely, said: “We are delighted that NW ADASS is providing this support to commissioners. The guide will help councils encourage adult social care providers to evaluate and improve their data security, whether they be digital or paper-based, by completing their DSPT. This is one of many ways local authorities can support implementation of the DSPT among adult social care providers.”

The DSPT is an annual self-assessment that shows care providers what they need to do to keep people’s paper or digital information safe and protect their business from the risk of a data breach or a cyber attack. It reassures everyone they work with, as well as their clients and families, that they are taking data security seriously and supports them in running a care service that people can trust.

The new guidance provides:

• Example wording of DSPT requirements for councils to adopt and adapt as ASC contracts are revised or renewed
• Guidance on monitoring provider adherence to DSPT requirements within contracts as part of the Better Security, Better Care programme.

The document is available here and has been developed with input from colleagues at Wakefield, Tameside, Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen councils.