The Digitising Social Care website is now moving to GOV.UK and as part of that transition the Department had a busy day on the 29th of September 2026 publishing 11 separate pieces of guidance and links to resources which update original guidance and resources currently on the Digitising Social Care website.
DHSC advise that ‘The Digitising Social Care (DSC) content will transfer to GOV.UK over the coming months and the DSC website will remain available during the transition and will close once the migration is complete. The new GOV.UK link will be provided as soon as it becomes available.’ We will update our members as soon as the new GOV.UK link is available.
We would recommend that members pay particular attention to the Using AI in adult social care guidance as this guidance has had a significant update and provides a useful opportunity for providers to review their current practice around the use of AI in their organisation and care and support settings and is also a useful tool for staff training.
The 11 updated pieces of guidance are;
- Digitising adult social care – Guidance for organisations and individuals on how to understand and use digital technology effectively in adult social care settings.
- Level 5 Award in Understanding Digital Leadership in Adult Social Care Qualification – learn about who is eligible to apply and the benefits the qualification offers for adult social care providers.
- Digital Champions in adult social care and how to introduce them – Guidance for adult social care providers on the role of digital champions, and how to introduce them successfully into your organisation.
- Adult social care digital skills framework – A resource to help people working in adult social care to understand and develop the digital skills they need.
- Using AI in adult social care – An introduction to artificial intelligence (AI) in adult social care and best practice for adult social care providers.
- Choosing and managing software and IT suppliers as an adult social care provider – Guidance for adult social care providers on choosing and managing the right software and IT suppliers for their organisations.
- Becoming a fully digitised care provider – Guidance on what it means to be a fully digitised care provider, the benefits, and how this links to Care Quality Commission ratings and inspection.
- Digital social care records: choosing and implementing solutions – Help for adult social care providers when choosing and setting up digital social care records (DSCRs) software.
- Setting up and using secure email as an adult social care provider – Guidance on how to set up a secure email service that meets the secure email standard if you provide adult social care.
- Using smartphones and devices as an adult social care provider – Guidance for adult social care providers on how to use smartphones and other devices to support better care, and how to keep them secure.
- Setting up your internet as an adult social care provider – Guidance on how to choose your broadband connection, manage your contract and wifi security, and get ready for the digital phone switchover.
