The latest news and resources.
A high-level summary of recent changes is provided here for reference.
Key facts and assertions and evidence items for the Data Security and Protection Toolkit 2023-24 (version 6).
Including video and presentation slides from recent Webinar sessions.
New policy and guidance, who it applies to and where you can find it.
Dial in details for our training and update events. Details of Additional webinars for 2023-2024.
NHS England has launched a new suite of information governance templates. The suite covers templates for Data Protection Impact Assessments, Data Sharing and Processing Agreements, Information Assets & Flows Registers and Privacy Notices.
Until July 2023, the DSPT required that you train at least 95% of your staff using the national Data Security Awareness Level 1 e-learning or a local equivalent. This has changed for 2023/24. Instead of the 95% training requirement, you now need to ensure that all your staff have an ‘appropriate understanding of information governance and cyber security’.
Guidance to support NHS Trusts, ICBs, CSUs, Local Authorities and DHSC Arm's Length Bodies to submit a DSPT improvement plan, if required.
Guidance for all NHS Trusts, ICBs, CSUs and DHSC Arms Length Bodies to have a DSPT Audit to the required mandatory scope and framework methodology.
Would you be willing to complete a survey on the costs and benefits associated with completing the DSPT
Incidents notified to the Information Commissioner's Office via the Data Security and Protection Toolkit during Q1-Q4 2022 and for Q1 2023 so far.
A note about the Baseline submission for, NHS Trusts, ICBs, CSUs and DHSC ALBs.
The winners are announced for the 2022 National Health and Social Care Strategic Information Governance Network Awards and local group map.
Key facts and assertions and evidence items for the Data Security and Protection Toolkit 2022-23 (version 5)
Big Picture Guides PDF Versions now available, as requested by the community.
The National Health and Care Strategic Information Governance Network Awards have been postponed due to the death of the Queen.
Update on 21 22 Data Security and Protection Toolkit
Incidents notified to the Information Commissioner's Office via the Data Security and Protection Toolkit during Q1-Q4 2021.
Overview of the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (version 4) 2021-22 requirements, including downloadable spreadsheet. Updated to reflect national data opt-out changes
Details and links to updated guidance and free online learning
Deadline for 2021-22 toolkit self-assessment publication
Details of the National Health and Care Information Governance Annual Awards 2022
The mandatory implementation of the National Data Opt-Out (NDOO), deadline of 31 March 2022, has been extended until 31 July 2022.
Accessibility statement for the Data Security and Protection Toolkit
A note about extension of the deadline for the the Baseline submission for NHS Trusts, CSUs and DHSC ALBs. CCGs are not required to complete a baseline or submit any formal assurance .
An update on actions to be taken for CCGs and ICBs for the 21-22 DSP Toolkit.
This page provides more information about the Log4shell security vulnerability, the steps you should take to protect your data and critical services, a link to a recording of the LOG4J Webinar and confirmation of the DSP Toolkit exception.
Details of the National Health and Care Strategic Information Governance Network 2021 Award Winners
A copy of the item published by NHSX on the access to shared system (adult social care) that Data Security and Protection Toolkit can provide.
From 19 August the Data Security and Protection Toolkit will no longer support Internet Explorer 11. If you use Internet Explorer 11, you should switch to a modern supported browser.
Details about the SIGN Awards
The DSP Toolkit has been updated to make the evidence item 1.4.4. on the National Data Opt-Out non-mandatory for all sectors and advice on spot checks not being required to be physical events.
Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) has published a suite of new guidance to assist community pharmacy contractors with completing the Data Security and Protection Toolkit for 2020/21.
A briefing for CCGs who are merging about the DSP Toolkit
This applies to Charities, Dentists, NHS Business Partners, Opticians, Pharmacy and Researchers.
This update is to tell you about changes to the social care view of the Data Security and Protection Toolkit. This includes information about key actions to take, what changes you will see and support and guidance available.
A note about the Baseline submission for Acute trusts, Mental health trusts, Ambulance trusts, NHS Trusts providing community services, CCGs, CSUs and DHSC ALBs.
Applicable to NHS Trusts and Foundation Trusts
Incidents notified to the Information Commissioner's Office via the Data Security and Protection Toolkit during 2020.
This communication is for all NHS Trusts and CCGs
This optional functionality is now available
The National Health and Social Care Strategic Information Governance Network (National SIGN) last night proudly announced the winners of its 2020 Information Governance Awards
Lots of questions have been received about the extension to the DSP Toolkit deadline so they have been collated in an FAQ page.
Following the announcement of the extension to the deadline of the national data opt out (https://digital.nhs.uk/services/national-data-opt-out), evidence item 1.4.4 of the 19-20 Data Security and Protection Toolkit has been amended.
The Data Protection Impact Assessment for the Data Security and Protection Toolkit is available here
NHS Information Governance professional wins prestigious ICO award.
Available on help https://www.dsptoolkit.nhs.uk/Help/64.
The deadline for the Data Security and Protection Toolkit remains 30 September 2020.
Update on the 2019/20 deadline
Incidents notified to the Information Commissioner's Office via the Data Security and Protection Toolkit during 2019.
Digital Social Care Registering for and Completing the Data Security and Protection Toolkit guidance document.
The National Health and Social Care Strategic Information Governance Network (SIGN) is very proud to announce the winners of its 2019 Inaugural Information Governance Awards
Explanation of the annual requirement to complete the Data Security and Protection Toolkit.
A note about the Baseline submission for NHS Trusts, CCGs, CSUs and ALBs
Details of a new national cyber security campaign, Keep I.T. Confidential
Support for answering 6.3.3, 6.3.4 and 6.3.5 for sites with multiple email system including NHSmail.
Useful resources to help complete the Data Security and Protection Toolkit
Incidents notified to the Information Commissioners Office 25th May 2018 – 31st December 2018 reported quarterly.
Data Security and Protection Incident Reporting tool available as part of the Data Security and Protection Toolkit