Latest news from our Project Delivery Officer, Dan Plummer:
Data Security and Protection Toolkit
The June 30th deadline for 24/25 DSPT publications is fast approaching, time is running out to start looking at and publishing your DSPT.
The DSPT is a yearly assessment that helps demonstrate compliance with data protection legislation along with best practice. Completing the DSPT can help reduce the impact of a data breach and cyber incident.
RCPA’s Dan Plummer offers free 1-1 support to care providers looking to publish and republish their DSPT. Daniel is also holding a free DSPT support drop-in session, see Events section below for details – includes a free drink!
Falls Reduction Technology on Trial in Somerset
4 residential care homes in Somerset will be fitted with smart lighting systems as part of an innovative trial to help reduce falls.
Somerset Council and NHS Somerset ICB have been awarded funding from NHS England to install the technology in bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms over the next 3 years via delivery partners Porters Care Ltd.
The smart light, known as Nobi, will alert carers to a fall immediately, ensuring help arrives within minutes. The system also allows staff to review events leading to falls, helping prevent future occurrences.
Every year, more than 70,000 people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will fall and sustain a hip fracture. This leads to the occupation of one in 30 hospital beds with a cost of an estimated £2 billion to care for this type of injury.
In the last reported quarter, data from 29 residential settings rated as ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission reported 310 falls. That is approximately 45% of residents within those settings.
The goal of this trial is to reduce the frequency of falls and the severity of falls when they do occur, improving residents’ quality of life and in turn reducing strain on health and social care services.
The residential care homes involved in this trial were selected for a variety of reasons, such as the strength of their Wi-Fi signal, and will be a part of an ongoing evaluation process which includes an external partner from Oxford University.
This will explore the potential for further use of technology in the health and social care sectors, including options to support people in their own homes.
Councillor Sarah Wakefield, Lead Member for Adults Services, Housing and Homelessness at Somerset Council, said:
“I see a lot of potential in this trial to significantly improve the quality of life for our residents whilst also reducing the strain on our health and social care services.
Falls can be absolutely devastating to people in their older age, so it is essential we do everything we can to prevent them, and when that fails, to catch them as quickly as possible when they do occur.
The investment in this technology in Somerset is an exciting step for health and social care, and I am looking forward to seeing the results of the evaluation by Oxford University.”
Richard Greaves, Associate Director for GP IT at NHS Somerset said:
“NHS Somerset is proud to work in partnership with Somerset Council and a number of residential homes to explore the capability of falls detection technology and to improve the safety for residents in these homes.
Department of Health and Social Care praised for improving cyber security in health and care services
A new report from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) – a group of MPs who check how public money is spent – has raised concerns about the UK government’s ability to protect essential public services from cyber-attacks. The report warns that many government departments are not doing enough to prepare for cyber threats, and that serious gaps in leadership, staffing and outdated IT systems are leaving services vulnerable.
However, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is highlighted in the report as a positive example of what’s possible. The PAC says other government departments could learn from the progress made in health and social care.
Click here to read the full story
Data Security eLearning Success Stories
Digital Care Hub are on the lookout for positive success stories to highlight how their eLearning for data security is making a difference.
If you regularly use the eLearning material in your organisation, Digital Care Hub would love to hear from you for a case study.
Link to Digital Care Hubs eLearning – Data Security eLearning
If this sounds like you, please email daniel.plummer@rcpa.org.uk
Events (in-person)
Are you DSPT ready? – Free drop-in support session
Are you an adult social care provider needing help to complete or update your Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) before the June 30th deadline?
A free informal support session for guidance and support. Whether you’re publishing for the first time or coming back to republish, we’re here to help – and we’ll even treat you to a free drink!
- No need to book – just turn up
- 1 to 1 support with the RCPA’s Daniel Plummer
- Ask any DSPT, data protection, and cyber security questions
Location: Eastside Canteen Victoria House, Victoria Street, Taunton, TA1 3FA
Parking: Limited 2 hour free visitor parking at Victoria House or public car park 5 minute walk away at Victoria Gate, Taunton TA1 3ES
When: Tuesday June 17th 09:30 – 15:00
For more information, please email daniel.plummer@rcpa.org.uk
SAVE THE DATE – Digital Somerset DS17 Cyber Security
Digital Somerset brings together individuals & businesses who want to ensure that Somerset evolves into a hub for digital innovation and collaboration.
RCPA’s Daniel Plummer will be speaking at DS17 highlighting the fantastic work that adult social care providers in Somerset and nationally do to ensure their organisations stay safe from cyber threats.
This networking event offers a range of speakers around cyber security and your ticket includes free soft drinks and pizza.
Watch this space for details of early bird ticket sales or Check back on Digital Somerset’s booking page
Location: Yeovil College Ilchester Road BA21 4DR
Date: 22/07/2025
Time: 17:30 – 19:30
Events (online)
- Practical DSPT: Testing your Business Continuity Plan (BCP):
Wednesday 28th May 14:30 – 15:30 – Click here to book
- Completing you DSPT ahead of the June deadline:
Tuesday 10th June 15:00 – 16:00 – Click here to book
- Caldicott Guardian Learning Network:
Thursday 12th June 12:00 – 13:00 – Click here to book
- Exploring the Best Technology for Care Workers:
Thursday 12th June 11:00 – 12:30 – Click here to book
- Review and Publish DSPT:
Tuesday 17th June 15:00 – 16:00 – Click here to book
- AI in Homecare: Top Tips for Smart and Safe Use:
Tuesday 24th June 14:00 – 15:00 – Click here to book
- Social Care Cyber Crime Showdown: Hacker vs Police:
Thursday 3rd July 12:00 – 13:00 – Click here to book
- Caldicott Guardian Learning Network:
Thursday 31st July 12:00 – 13:00 – Click here to book
