December 16th 2024
Better Security, Better Care has awarded research contracts on: the digital footprint of people drawing on care; bring your own device to work policies; and the use of the internet by people with learning disabilities.
The projects are being funded through the latest round of Better Security, Better Care’s Action Research Fund. This round is focused on the pillars of the Government’s cyber security strategy for health and social care.
Speaking about the contracts, programme director, Michelle Corrigan, said:
“These research projects form part of Better Security, Better Care’s wider role to strengthen the safe use of data and technology in social care. We are particularly keen to explore issues directly affecting people who draw on care services and will ensure that these new projects are co-produced with them. Congratulations to PPL, PCS and Cyber Champions and we look forward to working with you.”
The contracts were awarded to the following organisations after a competitive process:
Digital footprints in adult social care
Awarded to: PPL – a social enterprise and management consultancy working in the public sector.
This project aims to understand and enhance the security, connectivity and person-centred control of people’s digital footprints across health, care and community services. This is a discovery piece – part one of a potentially staged project which would lead to recommendations for improving data governance, security, integration and collaboration for people drawing on adult social care.
‘PPL is proud and excited to have been selected by the Action Research Fund to explore the key issues and new approaches across cyber, data security, and digital services within Adult Social Care. With a focus on person-centred control, inclusion, and security across the system, we are looking forward to meaningfully contribute to shared understandings around the digital services that serve our citizens, the data they capture and process, and how the control over, and inclusion in, how service users’ data is managed can be strengthened and improved.’
Nick Kelly, Consultant, PPL
Bring your own device (BYOD) policies
Awarded to: The PSC – management consultants specialising in working with the public sector.
This project will explore how many adult social providers follow BYOD polices and/or procedures and what impact or risks this has on their security. The project will develop recommendations around the best ways to improve their cyber security and enable providers to ‘build secure for the future’ – as outlined in the Government’s cyber security strategy.
‘At The PSC we are really passionate about the Adult Social Care sector having digital tools that work for their needs. Working with the Digital Care Hub, we’re excited to explore how sector norms around ‘Bring Your Own Device’ can be accommodated securely and in line with best practice.’
Katie Burns, Associate Partner, The PSC
Internet usage, digital inclusion and people with learning disabilities
Awarded to: Cyber Champions – a not-for-profit organisation promoting awareness of best practices in digital and cyber skills.
This project aims to research the needs and challenges faced by working-age adults with learning difficulties when using the internet and how these can be improved. This project will develop resources and promote digital inclusion.
“I am delighted Cyber Champions has been awarded this grant. We look forward to working with Better Security, Better Care to research the challenges faced by working-aged adults with learning difficulties and enhancing approaches to improve their digital experiences and reduce cyber risks. This aligns with the ethos of Cyber Champions in promoting digital inclusion, literacy and safety, and developing cyber skills, across generational groups to make a positive difference to local communities”.
Anu Khurmi, CEO and Founder of Cyber Champions:
The projects are due to complete by March 2025.
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