October 14th 2026
We’ve updated our free Data Security and Protection elearning courses to help care staff and data protection leads keep up with changing technology, cyber threats and working practices.
These are the only free data protection eLearning courses designed specifically for care settings. They use practical scenarios to show what good data protection and cyber security look like in day-to-day work. We’ve refreshed the content, made the learning more accessible and added more opportunities for people to check their understanding.
We know from the popularity of the courses that care providers value practical, sector-specific training that staff can complete flexibly.
Updated for the way care services work now
In the staff course, we’ve updated examples to reflect the way care services work now, including the use of digital social care records, safe messaging, mobile devices and the secure disposal of personal data. New and revised scenarios cover scams, phishing, fraudulent QR codes, password managers, passkeys and two-step verification. We’ve also added clearer advice about only using systems, apps and AI tools approved by your employer, including AI features built into care record systems. Plus we’ve increased the bank of questions in the assessment – so if you’re repeating the course each year, you’ll be asked new questions.
We’ve included more realistic examples to help staff recognise data breaches in care settings. These include leaving an unlocked phone unattended, discussing personal information where someone could overhear it, and storing photos containing personal data on a device. We’ve also made the language and feedback clearer and added assessment questions covering the new content.
We’ve refreshed the course for data protection leads too. It now includes more guidance on open and closed AI tools, data protection impact assessments when moving between electronic care record systems, supplier checks, backups and managing risks linked to IT suppliers. We’ve updated information about cyber threats and data breaches with more recent sector figures and links to current guidance. For the first time, there is also a 20-question assessment for leads. Learners who score at least 80% can download a certificate.
Daniel O’Shaughnessy, Head of Delivery at Digital Care Hub, said:
“Technology and cyber security risks move quickly, so we need to make sure care staff have the knowledge and skills to deal with that. As part of our Digital Care in Focus on Cyber Security which is aligned with international Cyber Security Awareness Month – we’ve updated the courses with practical examples on AI, digital care records, scams, suppliers and mobile devices, helping learners make safer and more confident decisions in their everyday work.”
Complete the updated courses
We encourage care staff and data protection leads to complete the updated courses, even if they’ve taken an earlier version. As well as improving knowledge and helping people keep up with current technology, guidance and risks, the courses can help care providers meet the training requirements of the Data Security and Protection Toolkit.
If you’ve downloaded SCORM versions for your own learning management system, please refresh them so your staff receive the latest content. To request the updated SCORM packages, email [email protected].
View all News