March 4th 2025
Digital Care Hub’s Better Security, Better Care programme in partnership with the regional Association of Directors for Adult Social Services, has released a new report exploring how local authorities help adult social care providers follow good data and cyber security practices.
With cyber threats increasing across the sector, ensuring care providers handle data securely is more important than ever. Our latest survey provides valuable insights into how councils are supporting care providers – and where more help is needed.
Key findings
The survey gathered responses from 55 people in commissioning and quality assurance roles in local authorities across England. It asked questions about contracting mechanisms, cyber security awareness, and support. It found that:
- 16% of local authorities reported having no formal cyber security or data protection requirements in their contracts with care providers, and 22% were unsure if any existed.
- Nearly half of respondents were unaware of the free support available to care providers from Better Security, Better Care. This included direct, tailored support from one of 28 Local Support Organisations in England.
- 60% of respondents wanted additional help monitoring compliance and improving data security among providers.
- Only 44% of respondents had regular communication with their Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), which signifies collaboration challenges.
Why this matters
As councils commission care services, they play a vital role in ensuring providers are equipped to handle potential cyber threats. However, our report shows that awareness, contractual requirements, and ongoing support vary widely across the country.
“Data and cyber security are critical components of a robust social care system. As we increasingly rely on digital solutions, it’s imperative that all partners in the social care ecosystem work together to strengthen our defences against potential threats,” says Michelle Corrigan, Programme Director for Better Security, Better Care.
Next steps
To address these challenges, some recommendations include:
- Expanding the pilot of ADASS Regional Digital & Cyber Leads to all regions.
- Promoting Better Security, Better Care’s resources more widely through tailored communication with local authorities.
- Encouraging local authorities to include cyber security and data protection measures in contracts with providers.
- Developing training to support local authorities with communicating issues on cyber security drills, recovery planning, and incident response for care providers.
Further information
- Read the full report
- See our free guidance for local authority commissioners
- Sign up to the Digital Care Hub newsletter