July 5th 2022
Digital Social Care offers free resources for suppliers to use with social care clients
The adult social care sector is an expanding market for software and technology suppliers. More and more care providers are introducing systems such as digital records, telecare and proxy access to health information. But they often need support to improve how they choose and use that technology.
This Care Week, Digital Social Care and the Better Security, Better Care programme are calling on software and tech companies to take advantage of their free, quality assured resources which they can share with clients.
Speaking about the development, Better Security, Better Care Programme Director, Michelle Corrigan, says:
“Suppliers are already providing great training about the use of their own systems, but they often find that their clients need to improve their own policies, procedures and practices in order to make the most of the new tech and to manage data safely.
“Digital Social Care offer all suppliers the chance to reuse our materials such as template policies, checklists, and toolkits. They are all quality assured on a regular basis, and available for free. Our message is simple: Don’t reinvent the wheel. Use ours.”
Alyson Scurfield, Chief Executive of TEC Services Association (the industry body for tech-enabled care) welcomed the offer. Speaking today at the TEC Sector conference, she said:
“We strongly encourage our members to take up this generous offer from Digital Social Care. It benefits suppliers as they signpost clients to resources which can improve their wider knowledge and skills, enabling suppliers to focus on delivering their own tech. And it benefits existing and potential clients, as it gives them access to quality assured resources specifically developed for care providers. It’s a win-win.”
CASPA (The Care Software Providers Association) also welcomed the offer saying:
“We have seen a rapid growth in the number of care provider services introducing digital systems – which is great. But they often need significant support to understand the wider implications such as how to manage data protection and cyber security. Software suppliers can’t take on all of those responsibilities and they don’t have to. Digital Social Care provides that free, expert support.”
Digital Social Care is also calling on suppliers to encourage clients to share their stories about using data and technology. They could be considered for the Success Stories series.
Digital Social Care has developed copy and leaflets for suppliers to download and share with care provider clients, as well as quick access to tools and templates. Information is available at www.digitalcarehub.co.uk/suppliers
Resources include templates and guidance on:
- Data Processing
- Smart Phone Policy
- What contracts to have in place
- Data Security Audit checklist
- Business Continuity Plan for Data and Cyber Security
- Guidance on using the Data Security and Protection Toolkit
Digital Social Care also runs a free national helpline for care providers: 0808 196 4848 (Mon-Fri 9-5) or email [email protected]
License
Digital Social Care and the Better Security, Better Care programme are funded by the Department of Health and Social Care and the NHS. Resources are licensed under Attribution – non-commercial 4.0 International.
This means that resources can be used freely, but credit must be given to Digital Social Care and they cannot be sold.
To discuss the use of any materials contact: [email protected].
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