September 1st 2026
We have launched our new Digital Care in Focus theme for September, looking at data and technology standards and what they mean for adult social care providers.
The month-long focus will include a new briefing, webinars, practical information and discussion about the standards shaping digital care records, information sharing and the systems used across care services.
Data standards define what information should be recorded, how it should be structured and how it can be shared between systems. Technology standards help assess whether digital tools are safe, usable, effective and able to work with other systems.
Katie Thorn, Director of Innovation at Digital Care Hub, said:
“Interoperability is one of the biggest practical tests for digital transformation in social care. Care teams, NHS colleagues, local authorities and technology suppliers all need to be able to share and interpret core information safely and consistently. Standards are how we create that shared language. Throughout this month, we’ll be exploring what this means for care providers and their tech suppliers.”
Why standards are moving up the agenda
In adult social care, standards help systems and teams record, share and interpret information consistently. They can reduce duplication and support safer information sharing with NHS, local authority and technology partners.
The legal position has also changed. Where mandatory information standards apply, organisations must comply – with possible monitoring, enforcement action or financial penalties for non-compliance.
From July 2026, assured digital social care record solutions must meet the Minimum Operational Data Standard, so providers should ask suppliers what will change, how staff will be supported and what implementation means for everyday recording and sharing.
New briefing launched
To support the campaign, we have published a new data, digital and technology standards briefing for adult social care providers, sector leaders and technology suppliers in England.
The briefing explains what national standards are, how the legal framework is changing, what Minimum Operating Data Standards (MODS) means for adult social care and what questions providers can put to suppliers and partners.
It also brings together links to further information, including PRSB guidance and resources on data and technology standards.
Join the conversation
Our webinar Data standards: Smarter care through better standards will explore what data and technology standards are, why they matter, and how adopting them supports safer care, better information sharing and future digital innovation.
We are delighted to be joined by speakers:
- Claire Sutton, Non-executive Director from Professional Record Standards Body (PRSB)
- Khaled Gamiet, Founder of Qwikify and CEO of Trustsworth Group Ltd
- Taffy Gatawa, Chief Information and Compliance Officer from everyLIFE Technologies Limited and board member of the Care Software Providers Association (CASPA)
- Bharat Sharma, Lead Product Manager for NHS Standards Directory/ Adult Social Care Directory
Next steps
Find out more about the webinar and register to attend on 10 September.
Read our new briefing: Data, digital and tech standards
Share your thoughts using #DigitalCareinFocus.
Follow and tag Digital Care Hub on LinkedIn and Facebook.
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