This webinar looked at data and technology standards- what they are, why they matter, and how adopting them supports safer care, better information sharing and future digital innovation.
Speakers included:
- Katie Thorn, Director of Innovation, Digital Care Hub (Chair)
- Khaled Gamiet, Founded 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 Director.
This webinar was held on 10 September 2026, and is part of Digital Care in Focus: Data and tech standards.
Download a PDF of the presentation
Download a transcript of the webinar
View a recording below, and scroll down for a summary of key messages and useful links.
Key messages
This webinar explored why information standards are becoming more relevant to adult social care and how they can support safer, more consistent and more joined-up care. Speakers from NHS England, everyLIFE Technologies and Qwikify discussed the Adult Social Care Standards Directory, the Minimum Operational Data Standard (MODS), supplier assurance, GP Connect, the proposed Social Care Interoperability Platform (SCIP) and emerging expectations around AI in health and social care.
- Standards help create a shared language for care data. Speakers described information standards as agreed ways to capture health and care data consistently, structure it clearly and support digital exchange between systems.
- The Adult Social Care Standards Directory is designed to make standards easier to find and understand. NHS England has developed a dedicated adult social care area within the Standards Directory. It brings together summaries, related guidance, legal basis, data specifications and implementation support.
- The aim is to move away from complex PDFs and spreadsheets. The directory presents standards in a more accessible way, including searchable data specifications, online guidance, diagrams and links to related resources.
- MODS is an important first step towards better interoperability. MODS sets out a common way to record core information in digital social care records. The panel was clear that care providers do not have to complete every data item; suppliers need to make sure their systems can capture the required information where it is needed.
- Supplier assurance covers more than software features. Digital social care record suppliers must meet core capabilities and assurance requirements. The panel mentioned areas including security, information governance, accessibility, business continuity, clinical safety and GP Connect.
- Standards can improve care quality and reduce repetition. Speakers said consistent recording can improve the experience of people receiving care by reducing the need to repeat information. They also noted that standards can help providers demonstrate quality in some areas of care.
- Standards must reflect how care is delivered in practice. The panel stressed that standards need to work for different care settings, including home care and care homes. If standards are too rigid, or do not reflect real workflows, they may be harder to use and adopt.
- Care providers need to be involved early. Speakers encouraged care providers to take part in consultation and engagement because standards can shape how software is built and how care records are used.
- The proposed Social Care Interoperability Platform (SCIP) could support better data sharing. The panel described SCIP as a developing programme intended to support information sharing between social care providers, and between social care and health, including use cases such as admissions, discharges, GP information and provider-led innovation.
- AI in social care needs careful governance. Speakers noted that AI is already being used in the sector, while regulation and standards are still developing. Existing responsibilities around data protection, information governance, clinical safety and risk management still apply when using AI tools. CQC has also published its expectations for AI in health and social care.
What care providers can do next
- Visit the Adult Social Care Standards Directory and explore the standards relevant to your organisation.
- Ask your digital care record supplier how they meet current standards, including MODS and relevant assurance requirements.
- Use the assured solutions list when reviewing digital social care record suppliers.
- Keep an eye on future consultations and take part where you can, especially where standards may affect how care information is recorded or shared.
- Review your data protection and information governance processes before introducing new technologies, including AI tools. CQC’s statement on AI in health and social care sets out useful principles for providers.
- Share feedback on what guidance, topics or practical resources would help your organisation understand and use standards more confidently.
Useful links
- Please join the NHS England Architecture, Standards and Interoperability workspace via the FutureNHS platform:FutureNHS collaboration platform. (FutureNHS account required; free to join. If you don’t have a FutureNHS account, email us at [email protected] for help getting onboarded).
- Information Standards Bulletin, updates and supporting information through the dedicated Information Standards Bulletin. Subscribe today. Further information: Information Standards Bulletin – NHS Standards Directory
- Data Standards for Social Care | Digitising Social Care
