Guidance

Adult social care digital skills framework

Published 29 September 2026

Applies to England

Introduction

The framework covers 7 themes:

• using technology to support person-centred care
• technical skills for using technology
• communicating using technology
• using and managing data
• being safe and secure online
• ethical use of technology
• digital learning, development and wellbeing

Each theme has 2 levels:

• digital skills for all: skills that all staff should develop, regardless of their level of digital experience
• go further: skills for those in, or wanting to move into, supervisory, management or leadership roles, or roles such as digital champion or care technologist

Theme 1: using technology to support person-centred care

This theme covers the skills staff need to use technology in ways that put the people they care for at the centre.

Digital skills for all (theme 1)

Understand how technology can support person-centred care

When adopting and using technology in care, always start by considering people’s needs. Technology can help people who draw on care to access safe, personalised care. This includes people who live independently in the community.

Use technology to work in a person-centred way

Work with people to record their interests, preferences and goals in their digital social care record (DSCR). Review how technology is used as part of care planning and make sure it continues to meet people’s needs.

You can use technology such as websites, internet search engines and work systems to help answer questions and find the policies, procedures and information you need to support care planning.

Help people to learn about technologies that may benefit them

You should know how to introduce the potential for using technology in a care situation. You should be able to work with people to help them identify, choose and use technology that works for them, in line with their wishes and preferences.

Help people to access their personal information and contribute to their DSCRs

People have the right to see their DSCR and ask for any mistakes to be corrected. You should:

• know how to help people to access their personal information in a way they can understand
• know what to do if they request changes

Use technology to help people build and maintain relationships and participate in their community

Technology can help people to keep in touch with family and friends and follow their interests in many ways.

You should know how to support people to use technology to communicate with others and take part in activities, hobbies and their community.

Go further (theme 1)

Help your colleagues understand the benefits of technology

Explain how technology can support independence and reduce administrative tasks.

Encourage and support colleagues to help the people they work with choose suitable technologies for their care

Help colleagues identify technologies that support people’s goals and preferences, working in partnership with those they care for and their families.

Help make strategic decisions about technology in your organisation

You should be able to:

• evaluate whether and how different technologies may benefit your service
• make the case for purchasing and introducing new technology in your organisation
• work with others to develop a digital plan for implementing technology and managing change

Support a culture of good practice in using technology to provide responsive, person-centred care

Promote the use of technology that benefits people and supports their needs.

You should regularly review the use of technology during care plan reviews to make sure it continues to meet people’s needs and support their best interests.

Assess whether technology supports people’s needs, independence and wellbeing.

Theme 2: technical skills for using technology

This theme covers the skills staff need to use devices, software and the internet in their day-to-day work.

Digital skills for all (theme 2)

Use digital devices in your day-to-day work

You can carry out basic tasks on digital devices as needed for your role. For example, you should be able to:

• connect to the internet using the wifi settings and enter the wifi password when required
• turn on a device and enter any information required, such as usernames and passwords, to safely log in
• use available controls on your device such as a mouse and keyboard on a laptop or computer or a touch screen on a smartphone or tablet
• find applications (apps) by choosing the correct icons on the home screen
• update and safely change your password when prompted
• keep your username and password for a device and any websites secure. Do not share them with anyone or write them down and leave them near your device (see theme 5: being safe and secure online for more guidance)

Make use of accessibility tools on devices and help others use them

Use accessibility features that make technology easier to use for yourself and others. This could include:

• making text larger so it’s easier to read
• changing settings to help improve access for people with specific conditions such as dyslexia or arthritis
• changing sound options or having text read aloud

Use the internet, websites and emails as needed for your role

You should be able to:

• connect to the internet and open a browser to find and use websites you need for your day-to-day work
• use email safely in line with your organisation’s policies

Use care technologies and software in your day-to-day work

The types of technology in use will vary depending on your service and the people you support.

This can include technologies that support:

• quality of life, such as those that support independence and those that help people stay connected to loved ones
• quality and safety of care, such as DSCR systems and electronic medication administration systems
• the provision of care, such as e-rostering and digital payslips

Everyone working in social care should develop the skills to use care technologies and software as required for their role.

Solve basic problems when using technology

Know what to do if you experience a technical problem. This may include:

• following instructions set out in your organisation’s policies and procedures
• using the device or software manual to help you solve the problem
• using the internet, chat facilities or technical support helplines where available
• using online tutorials, FAQs and advice forums

If you are unsure what to do, speak to your manager or supervisor, a digital champion or similar contact in your organisation.

Go further (theme 2)

Support or lead the set up, implementation and ongoing maintenance of technology in your organisation

Support the implementation of new technology, including preparing staff and supporting new ways of working.

You may also need to work with technology suppliers to make sure installation runs smoothly.

Model how to use different types of technology safely, and help others use technology in their day-to-day work

You can support your colleagues by:

• promoting the use of technology to support quality care
• demonstrating how you use technology in a safe and effective way
• offering advice if you notice mistakes or unsafe practices

Support others to solve problems and access learning opportunities to improve their digital skills and confidence

Support colleagues to solve technical problems and access learning opportunities.

You can do this by:

• supporting colleagues with troubleshooting and problem-solving, either directly or by helping them access specialist technical support
• making sure common problems are learned from across your organisation

Stay up to date with technology and proactively explore new digital tools

Keep up to date with new technologies, championing their benefits and recognising success and innovation. This will help you make sure your service is continuously learning and improving, in line with the well-led part of the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) assessment framework.

Theme 3: communicating using technology

This theme covers the skills staff need to communicate effectively and safely using technology.

Digital skills for all (theme 3)

Understand the different methods of digital communication and why we use them

Use digital communication tools appropriately in your role. Examples include:

• email
• messaging platforms
• sending messages through specialist apps or DSCR systems
• online forums
• video and phone calls

You should always communicate information safely and securely, especially when sharing information about people. For further guidance see theme 4: using and managing data.

Choose the right type of communication technology for the situation and adapt your communication style as necessary

You should understand the digital communication tools available, and which tools are right for a particular situation or the needs of the person you are communicating with.

Use communication technologies safely

All staff should be able to use communication technologies safely and appropriately. This may include supporting others to use communication technologies. Use digital communication respectfully and in line with your organisation’s policies, including any policies on the use of social media.

Work with others using digital tools

Contribute to shared digital workspaces and documents when working with others.

There are also many online forums where social care staff can share news, tips and advice. Your local care association may be able to recommend relevant groups and forums.

Support others to use digital communication tools to stay connected

You should be able to help others use a range of technologies that can help them to keep in touch with family, friends and their community.

Go further (theme 3)

Lead in modelling and promoting good practice in digital communication

You can support your colleagues to develop their digital communication skills by modelling and promoting appropriate use of communication technology in the workplace. You can also highlight the benefits of online forums for learning and collaboration.

Help colleagues use communication technologies safely and choose the right tool for the situation

Use a range of resources to help your colleagues communicate safely using technology.

Contribute to developing policies and procedures for safe and appropriate digital communication in your organisation

Develop and maintain policies and procedures for safe, accessible digital communication. As digital communication becomes more widely used in the provision of care, staff in leadership and management roles should make sure appropriate policies and procedures are in place to support good practice.

Care providers are also required to make sure communication happens safely, with appropriate data security arrangements in place. For further guidance see theme 5: being safe and secure online.

Theme 4: using and managing data

This theme covers the skills staff need to use, share and manage data safely.

Digital skills for all (theme 4)

Understand the different types of data and know how data can be collected, kept up to date and shared using technology 

Data about someone you’re supporting can be stored and shared digitally in different ways. For example, by entering information into an app or sharing it by text or email. Information relating to someone’s care may be classified as personal data, special category data or confidential data. There are different rules for handling these types of information.

For more guidance, see data security awareness courses on the e-learning for healthcare website.

Understand your personal responsibilities for managing data

Data protection law is set out in the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The law requires everyone to protect personal data and make sure it’s handled and used appropriately. If you have questions or concerns, speak to the responsible person in your organisation.

You should make sure that you understand your responsibilities for managing data in line with the legislation and your organisation’s policies.

Understand that some information is confidential and should only be accessed by those who need it 

Confidential data should only be accessed by those who need it. Confidential data is information that can identify someone, and which they would expect to be kept private from those who do not need to see it (for example, information about a person’s health condition).

Understand that sharing relevant and necessary information can be as important as keeping it confidential

Share relevant information appropriately and in line with policy and legal requirements. If in doubt, speak to the responsible person in your organisation for data protection, or your supervisor or manager.

Understand that people have a right to review and make choices about how their information is used

Data protection law gives people certain rights, including the right to be informed about what data is held about them and the right to access that data.

Record care information accurately and in a timely way using technology

Record care information accurately and promptly using digital systems.

Use reliable and trustworthy sources when finding information online

Use trusted sources of information, including CQC, Skills for Care, Social Care Institute for Excellence, Local Government Association, NHS.UK and GOV.UK.

Go further (theme 4)

Analyse and present data about your service and use it to improve service quality

You should develop skills to analyse and present data about your service to support decision-making and improvement. This will also help with returning information to regulators or commissioners and with wider business audits.

Theme 5: being safe and secure online

This theme covers the skills staff need to stay safe and secure online and prevent unauthorised access to systems and data.

Digital skills for all (theme 5)

Understand the importance of data and cyber security and your personal responsibility for handling data safely

Follow your organisation’s data protection and cyber security policies and complete the required training.

Understand and apply the principles of data security and protection legislation

You should understand and be able to apply data protection principles as set out in the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR.

Understand the different types of data security threats and how to avoid them

Recognise common data security threats and know how to avoid them. Data security threats include:

• social engineering, where someone tries to trick or manipulate people to gain access to information
• password security (use different and strong passwords for each account you have)
• device security (keep your device locked when not in use)

Know who to contact if you are concerned about a data breach or risk to data security

Know how to report data protection and cyber security concerns in your organisation.

Know how to identify signs of online abuse and safeguard others who may be at risk

Online harms can include identity fraud, bullying, grooming, blackmail and scams. Everyone working in social care is responsible for protecting people from harm and abuse, including online forms of harm. See your organisation’s safeguarding policy for more information.

For more information on how to reduce potential negative impacts from technology, see theme 6: ethical use of technology.

Go further (theme 5)

Put in place effective arrangements to ensure the security of data and data management systems

Care providers are required to have appropriate data security arrangements in place, as set out in CQC’s assessment framework. This is also a requirement of completing the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT).

Support others to understand their data security responsibilities and model good practice

Make sure staff are competent in data security and protection. DSPT compliance requires that at least 95% of staff complete annual data security awareness training within the previous 12 months.

Know how to respond to data and security breaches

Cyber attacks can happen to any organisation. Follow your organisation’s procedures for responding to data and security incidents. You can report incidents through the DSPT. The toolkit can also help you decide if you need to report the cyber attack to the Information Commissioner’s Office.

Identify critical data and work with IT specialists to make sure backups and contingency plans are in place

Keeping data backed up separately to your computer systems is important for business continuity, and will mean you can still access important data, even in the event of a cyber attack. It’s important that contingency plans are in place to make sure your service can continue to operate safely if computer systems are compromised.

Understand the importance of regular software updates and anti-virus software

Work with relevant specialists to make sure systems are updated and protected.

Theme 6: ethical use of technology

This theme covers the skills staff need to use technology ethically, respecting people’s privacy, dignity and right to make choices about their care.

Digital skills for all (theme 6)

Use technology only when it benefits the person and protects their rights

You should only use technology when it benefits the person and respects their rights and preferences. For example, technology should:

• help connect people, not isolate them
• give people greater choice and control, not limit their choices or restrict their ability to make decisions about their care
• enable the right people, such as health and care professionals, to access the right information at the right time, without putting people’s privacy at risk
• support independence and safety, not restrict freedom or autonomy

Involve and support people to make informed choices about the use of technology in their care

Technology should always be used with informed consent, or in line with people’s previously expressed wishes or the wishes of their advocates. You should know the steps involved in getting informed consent.

Know how to respond if you have concerns that technology may be having a negative effect on someone or their rights

If you have concerns that technology is having a negative effect on someone or restricting their rights, you should take appropriate steps to raise those concerns with a relevant person. This could be a senior member of staff, a carer, a family member or an external organisation.

Go further (theme 6)

Model good practice and lead discussions on the ethical use of technology in your organisation

Help colleagues use technology in ways that respect autonomy, privacy and dignity.
You can support colleagues by modelling good practice. For example, by demonstrating conversations that help people understand how technology may affect their care.

Create a culture of ethical technology use, making sure people are at the heart of decision-making

CQC’s assessment framework requires that people are involved in decisions about their care, including decisions about technology. Your organisation should have appropriate processes in place to enable this, and to make sure staff feel able and supported to discuss technology choices with the people they care for.

Assess the benefits and drawbacks of technology and promote a rights-based approach to digital working

Technology can bring benefits, but it can also have drawbacks. You need to balance these benefits with people’s rights, wishes and preferences. This is an important digital leadership skill.

This includes:

• being transparent in how technology may be used, including how and why data may be collected, processed and shared, and making sure that people who draw on care and their families are informed and involved in decision-making at all stages
• assessing the potential impact of technology before it’s introduced, and putting in place systems to monitor the effect on people after technology has been implemented
• making sure staff, people who draw on care and families can share feedback or raise concerns about how technology is used, and taking appropriate steps to act on that feedback

Theme 7: digital learning, development and wellbeing

This theme covers the skills staff need to access digital learning opportunities, develop their digital skills and manage their digital wellbeing.

Digital skills for all (theme 7)

Know where to find digital training opportunities to support your learning and development

You should know where to find digital learning and training opportunities and be able to search for options that are relevant to you and your personal development goals.

Take part in digital learning opportunities and share them with others

You should be able to take part in digital learning opportunities (such as completing e-learning courses and contributing to online forums) to build your skills.

You should also be able to:

• support colleagues to access online learning to improve their skills, for example by recommending courses you have found helpful
• help people you care for to access online learning opportunities in line with their interests, preferences and goals (such as to improve their own digital skills)

Understand that using technology can affect your health and wellbeing, and know how to manage this

Certain behaviours online can negatively affect your own and others’ health and wellbeing. You should take steps to make sure your digital interactions are appropriate and respectful. You should also know where to find online support to boost your own health and wellbeing.

Go further (theme 7)

Build a positive digital learning environment and improve staff confidence using technology

You should know how to develop a digital skills training plan for your organisation and be able to implement appropriate digital learning solutions to upskill staff.

Make sure staff have enough time and support to access and benefit from digital learning opportunities, including appropriate support for staff who feel less confident using technology.

Help colleagues to reflect on and self-assess their digital skills and encourage a culture of continuous learning

Help staff assess their digital skills, identify development needs and access appropriate learning opportunities.

Staff inductions and appraisals should include an assessment of digital skills to help staff identify areas for development and choose the right training opportunities. This framework can support those conversations.

Staff should be encouraged to explore the full range of digital learning available and supported to access ongoing development opportunities wherever possible, in line with their preferences and development goals.

Use technology to monitor your own development and, where applicable, the development of those you manage or supervise

Use technology to monitor and record learning and development activities for yourself and those you manage or supervise. Use this information to make sure staff are up to date with mandatory training requirements and provide evidence of training to regulators and other organisations.

Create opportunities for staff to learn from each other

Explore opportunities to learn from other organisations through digital forums and online communities, to share best practice and support business development.

Support colleagues to manage their digital wellbeing

Promote a culture of respectful digital interaction in your organisation and take action if you become aware of inappropriate practices.

Make sure staff are fully supported to manage their digital wellbeing. This includes promoting open, non-judgemental conversations about technology and digital learning, and offering support and reassurance to those who feel anxious using technology.

In line with CQC’s assessment framework, you should actively seek out and promote digital wellbeing support within your organisation to help look after staff health and wellbeing.