One week to go – DSPT deadline

June 23rd 2026

There is just one week to go until the 30 June deadline to publish your Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT). We know this is a busy time of year – and with the hot weather making everything feel that little bit harder – but if you are nearly there, now is the moment for one last push.

If you feel stuck, please do not struggle on alone. Free support is available through your local Better Security, Better Care support organisation, and our national helpline can also point you in the right direction.

Final checks before you publish

Before you hit publish, it is worth taking a few minutes to check the basics. These small final touches can make the difference between nearly finished and confidently over the line.

• Log in to your DSPT and check that all mandatory questions are complete.
• Reconfirm any answers that have carried over from your previous publication, making sure they still reflect how your organisation works now.
• Check whether any new or changed questions need your attention.
• Make sure your staff training position is up to date, including annual cyber security awareness where needed.
• Check that your policies, procedures and records are current, including your asset register and information about how you keep personal and confidential information secure.
• If you are a multi-site organisation, add the services or branches that share the same policies, procedures and data security arrangements.
• Scroll to the bottom of the toolkit and click publish once all required questions show as complete.
• After publishing, download or save your certificate and share your DSPT status with the people who need to know, such as registered managers. It’s a good idea to add your DSPT status to your website and public information (e.g. reached Standards Met on the Data Security and Protection Toolkit 2025/26)

If something is missing, do not panic

If the toolkit shows that something is incomplete, use the red links to go straight to the question that needs attention. It may be something simple, such as a box that has not been ticked, text entered in the wrong place, or a question that still needs an answer.

Keep going

If you are close to publishing, keep going. Make a cool drink, find a quiet half hour if you can, and give your DSPT the final push it needs.

You have done the hard work. Now is the time to check, publish and get over the line by 30 June. You are nearly there.

Get support

Find your local support organisation

Detailed online guidance

Guidance for large, multi-site care groups

National helpline: [email protected], phone 0808 196 4848, or complete this online form.