October 7th 2025
New research commissioned by Digital Care Hub has revealed that Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) — where care staff use their own phones or tablets for work — is now widespread across adult social care, yet many staff are unaware of any policy or guidance on how to use their devices safely.
The largest-ever survey on BYOD in adult social care, with 775 respondents (606 managers and 169 staff), found that:
- Half (50%) of care providers surveyed use BYOD approaches, but only half of those have a BYOD policy in place
- Home care has the highest uptake, with 53% of respondents using personal devices
- Smaller organisations are significantly more likely to adopt BYOD
- Cost is the main driver (58% of managers cited this reason)
- 97% of those using BYOD do so through personal mobile phones
- Just 40% of staff using their own devices remember signing any policy or guidance — meaning most are operating without clear rules
- 70% of staff say they would prefer an organisation-provided device.
- Staff delivering face-to-face care most likely to use their own device (70%). They also have high levels of access to the data of the people they support.
Despite these gaps, 70% of managers said they believed BYOD poses a “low risk” to their organisation. Interviews found that many data breaches go unrecognised, suggesting the true scale of incidents may be higher than reported.
The State of BYOD in Adult Social Care, launched for the Care Show during Cyber Security Awareness Month, uncovered widespread insecure practices, including staff using WhatsApp to share sensitive information, connecting to public Wi-Fi to access care systems, and taking photos on personal devices — all of which could put people’s private data at risk.
Between 2019 and 2024, 211 digital data breaches were reported to the ICO in the social care sector, with 63% caused by human error. While not all relate directly to BYOD, the findings highlight the sector’s vulnerability and the need for clearer policies and controls.
“Bring Your Own Device can seem like a win-win — it saves money and staff get to use the phones they already have,” said Daniel O’Shaughnessy, Head of Programme Delivery, Digital Care Hub.
“But the reality is it’s risky if you don’t manage it properly. Many small providers simply can’t afford to give everyone a phone, so we need to help them do BYOD safely, with the right policies, training, and controls in place.”
New support: Data Policy Builder to launch with BYOD policy tool
To help providers tackle these risks, Digital Care Hub is launching a new Data Policy Builder — a free online tool that helps care organisations create tailored data protection policies.
The first policy available will be “Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)”, providing a step-by-step framework to help managers:
- Understand and identify risks linked to BYOD;
- Create a custom policy for their organisation;
- Learn about technical solutions like Mobile Device Management (MDM) and secure apps;
- Support staff awareness and training on safe device use.
The tool is being previewed at the Care Show 2025, and launched during a webinar on 14 October at 2pm – booking details are available on the Digital Care Hub website.
“Simply banning BYOD isn’t realistic for many care providers,” added Daniel O’Shaughnessy. “Our goal is to help them manage it safely — protecting people’s data, satisfying regulators, and reducing the risk of costly breaches.”
The research has been welcomed by sector leaders, including Dr Jane Townson OBE, Chief Executive Officer of the Homecare Association:
“This research highlights a significant challenge for homecare providers. Whilst BYOD has become widespread, often driven by financial necessity, the gap between adoption and proper governance is concerning. When most staff cannot recall signing a policy and seven in ten would prefer an organisation-provided device, we clearly need better support. The research and plans for the new Data Policy Builder are very welcome. We must also address the underlying issue of tight financial margins that prevent providers from investing in secure devices and robust technical controls in the first place.”
The report is available on the Digital Care Hub website.
#BYODinSocialCare #CyberSecurityAwarenessMonth #CareShow2025
Notes to editors
- The research was conducted by The PSC on behalf of Digital Care Hub and the Better Security, Better Care programme.
- The report, The State of BYOD in Adult Social Care (2025), explores BYOD use across the sector and sets out practical improvement measures.
Key findings from the report:
- 50% of care providers use BYOD
- 53% of home care providers report BYOD use
- BYOD more common in smaller organisations – 54% of micro providers (less that 10 staff) vs 28% of large providers (more than 250 staff)
- Only 20% use Mobile Device Management (MDM)
- Only 40% of staff remember signing a policy
- 70% of staff would prefer organisation-provided devices
- 70% of managers perceive BYOD as low risk.
For media enquiries contact Iris Steen, Digital Care Hub
[email protected]
Tel 07802 419136
ENDS
About Digital Care Hub
The Digital Care Hub provides free information, guidance and support to enable adult social care providers to make the most of digital technology – and to do it safely.
It is an independent consortium, led by care providers, so they understand the needs and challenges facing the diverse range of organisations in the sector.
Digital Care Hub manages the Better Security, Better Care programme which is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care to improve data and cyber security in the adult social care sector in England.
About the PSC
The PSC (The Public Service Consultants) is a specialist management consultancy dedicated to making public services brilliant. Their approach to data-led digital transformation is grounded in a deep understanding of the wider context in which public services operate. They work closely with clients, using data science and user-centred design to co-create digital services that deliver strong financial outcomes, align with existing teams and working practices, and are inclusive by design.
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