Digital Care Hub May Newsletter
Access free Early Warning system
Cyber threats are on the rise – are you getting early warnings? Care providers handle sensitive data every day, making the sector a growing target for cyber criminals. The NCSC Early Warning system is a free tool that alerts you to suspicious activity on your systems - giving you time to act before it causes harm.
At Digital Care Hub, we strongly encourage all adult social care providers to register.
News
Review and update your DSPT – two months to go!
Care providers have two months to publish their Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) for 2024/25. If you published in previous years, all your information will still be there. But remember, you must review and update the content, it’s not simply a tick and republish exercise. There are new issues to consider such as: tech that you may have introduced, multi-factor authentication, use of AI, and of course there are always new cyber threats.
If you’ve never published your DSPT before, there is still time to meet the 30 June 2025 deadline – but we recommend you start now.
Access free, expert support from our Better Security, Better Care programme – including a range of webinars on how to complete and implement the DSPT.
AI in Social Care
Have you signed the AI in Social Care Call to Action yet? And if you’re a tech supplier – please sign the Tech Suppliers’ Pledge.
Join colleagues across the sector who have committed to the responsible, ethical and inclusive use of AI.
ARC England AI Tools Demo Sessions - 7th May, 10am - 12.30pm
ARC England is running five half-hour, online demo sessions exploring free AI-powered tools that could help adults with learning disabilities and/or autism in everyday life. These are informal, practical sessions for people drawing on care and support — and those who support them. You’re welcome to come along to all five demos, or just pop into the ones that feel most useful to you.
Sessions will cover: Otter.ai (or Microsoft Copilot), Google Lens, Alexa (Amazon Echo), Goblin Tools and SymboTalk.
New Materials for the publication deadline
With only 2 months to go until the publication deadline, we are working hard to produce some new and engaging materials to support you to connect with your local social care providers. Our current focus includes SMEs and non-residential services, but we want to hear from you!
Please share your ideas on the key messaging you want covered, the preferred format, and any other suggestions you think would be effective. If you have something that is working well locally, let us know—we'd love to draw inspiration from your success and share it with others.
Please email Rhianna below
Stay informed with Digital Care insights!
Subscribe to Digital Care Hub's fortnightly LinkedIn newsletter for key updates on policy and tech in adult social care. Edited by Katie Thorn, it’s your go-to source for insights and discussion. If you're interested, subscribe here.
And whilst you’re at it, give us a follow on Instagram - @DigitalCareHub
Events
Safeguarding Patient Data: Cybersecurity and Data Protection in Healthcare
Location: Zoom | Date: Tuesday 06 May | Time: 2:00pm - 3:30pm
This webinar will have an emphasis on the role of local Healthwatch organisations and it will provide practical guidance on how Healthwatch can safeguard patient data, adhere to regulations, and ensure trust in healthcare services. It will be looking at:
Importance of Cybersecurity and Data Protection
Role of Local Healthwatch in Data and Cyber Protection
Cybersecurity Threats in Healthcare
Best Practices for Data Security
Legal Framework for Data Protection
Collaboration with Healthcare Providers
New Practical DSPT sessions series, putting your DSPT into practice
Location: Zoom | Date: Thursday 08 May | First session: 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Join us for a practical webinar series designed to help care providers strengthen their Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) policies & processes.
We have 3 sessions planned on the following:
Information Asset Register & Record of Processing Activities on Thursday 8 May at 12:30pm
Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) on Tuesday 13 May at 2:30pm
Testing your Business Continuity Plan (BCP) on Wednesday 28 May at 2:30pm
See full webinars full information here
Digitising Social Care: End of Programme Reflections
Location: Zoom | Date: Wednesday 14 May | Time: 10:30am - 12pm
NHS England’s digitising social care programme is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and is delivered by a joint unit of DHSC and NHS England staff. It aims to transform adult social care through digital innovation, as set out in the 2021 government white paper, People at the Heart of Care. This work is further shaped by DHSC’s ongoing commitment to support digitisation of the sector outlined in the 2023 Next Steps paper.
4 years since it was set up, join us to hear what the programme has achieved (nearly 80% of CQC registered care organisations are now using a Digital Social Care Record!)! Also hear about what’s next for the digitising social care programme.
We will be joined by Peter Skinner, Programme Director for the Digitising Social Care Programme and other guests.
Webinars by the Sussex Digital Team
Review and Republish DSPT
Tuesday 13th May, 12:30pm
Interactive Workshop: Securing Your Email Systems for Social Care Providers
Thursday 15th May, 11:00am
Bite-Sized NHSMail: Essential Tips for Social Care Providers
Wednesday 14th May, 12:30pm
Interactive Workshop: Responding to Phishing Attacks and Scams
Friday 16th May, 2:00pm
DSPT 2024-2025 for NHS Trusts, Integrated care boards, Commissioning support units and Arm’s length bodies
Location: Zoom | Date: Tuesday 20 May | Time: 12:30pm - 1:30pm
This webinar is part of a series of DSPT webinars for NHS Trusts, Integrated care boards, Commissioning support units and Arm’s length bodies.
Book now >
Review and Republish DSPT
Tuesday 27th May, 12:30pm
Practical IT Skills Workshop - IT Systems and Devices
Wednesday 28th May, 2:30pm
Chatbot Artificial Intelligence - practical applications in social care
Tuesday 27th May, 2:30pm
Mastering Cyber Security in Social Care: A Practical Guide
Thursday 29th May, 11:00am
Exploring the Best Technology for Care Workers
Location: Zoom | Date: Thursday 12 June | Time: 11:00am - 12:30pm
In this joint webinar with the Care Workers Charity, we’ll be exploring the role of technology in care work, focusing on identifying the most effective tools for different situations. The discussion will feature insights from frontline care workers, as well as contributions from Think Local, Act Personal (TLAP). Key topics will include how technology can enhance care delivery, improve communication, and streamline daily tasks in the care sector. Attendees will gain valuable perspectives on the latest technological advancements and practical solutions for care workers.
Book now >
Caldicott Guardian Learning Network
Location: Zoom | Date: Thursday 12 June | Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
CGs from both local authorities and care provider organisations are invited to join.
The purpose is to provide support to all those across the care sector who have the Caldicott Guardian role as part of their jobs, offer a networking, sharing and learning space for them all as well as promote the role as best practice and the importance of having one/ access to one in social care services. To encourage and explore innovation in relation to the role and influence future ways of working.
DSPT 2024-2025 for NHS Trusts, Integrated care boards, Commissioning support units and Arm’s length bodies
Location: Zoom | Date: Tuesday 17 June | Time: 12:30pm - 1:30pm
This webinar is part of a series of DSPT webinars for NHS Trusts, Integrated care boards, Commissioning support units and Arm’s length bodies.
AI in Homecare: Top Tips for Smart and Safe Use
Location: Zoom | Date: Tuesday 24 June | Time: 2:00pm - 3:00pm
This joint webinar, hosted by the Digital Care Hub and Homecare Association, will be an insightful session on the safe use of AI in homecare. This discussion is tailored for adult social care providers in England, and will include:
Provider Insights: Hear from industry experts and social care providers on the latest trends and challenges.
Innovative AI Applications: Discover exciting examples of AI transforming homecare.
Ethical and Safety Considerations: Learn about the key ethical and safety aspects to consider.
Practical Tips: Get top tips for implementing AI effectively in your practice.