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NHS Data Security & Protection (DSP)

Who Needs this?
All organisations that have access to NHS patient information must provide assurances that they have the proper measures in place to ensure that this information is kept safe and secure.

What Is It?

All health and care organisations are expected to implement the 10 National Data Guardian (NDG) standards for data security. 
These standards are designed to protect sensitive data, and also protect critical services which may be affected by a disruption to critical IT systems (such as in the event of a cyber attack).
 
Deadline: June 2024
 
Completion of the DSPT is therefore a contractual requirement specified in the NHS England Standard Conditions contract and it remains Department of Health and Social Care policy that all bodies that process NHS patient information for whatever purpose provide assurances via the DSPT.
 
Completion of the DSPT is also necessary for organisations which use national systems such as NHSmail and the e-referral service.
  
The NHS (National Health Service) Data Security and Protection compliance refers to a set of standards and regulations aimed at safeguarding patient data and ensuring its secure handling within the United Kingdom’s National Health Service.
 
It encompasses several key aspects:
 
1. **Data Protection Legislation:** Compliance with data protection laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. These regulations outline how personal data should be processed, stored, and protected.
 
2. **Information Governance:** Establishing frameworks, policies, and procedures to govern how patient data is accessed, used, and shared within the NHS. This includes controlling access to sensitive information, ensuring data accuracy, and managing data securely throughout its lifecycle.
 
3. **Cybersecurity Measures:** Implementing robust cybersecurity practices to protect against data breaches, unauthorized access, and cyber threats. This involves measures like encryption, access controls, regular security assessments, and staff training to mitigate risks.
 
4. **Patient Confidentiality:** Upholding patient confidentiality and ensuring that sensitive health information is only accessed by authorized individuals for legitimate purposes. This involves strict protocols for handling and sharing patient data.
 
Compliance with NHS Data Security and Protection standards is crucial to maintaining trust in the healthcare system, protecting patient privacy, and mitigating the risks associated with handling sensitive health information. Organizations within the NHS, including healthcare providers, data processors, and service providers, are expected to adhere to these standards to ensure the security and integrity of patient data.

 

UK Data Protection Toolkit (UK GDPR)

The UK Data Protection Toolkit (UK GDPR) is a set of guidelines developed by the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) to help organizations comply with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR).

Compliance with the UK GDPR is essential for organizations that process personal data in the UK, and failure to comply can result in significant fines and reputational damage.

The UK GDPR is the UK’s adaptation of the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and became effective on January 1, 2021. Like the GDPR, the UK GDPR aims to protect the privacy and personal data of individuals and requires organizations to obtain explicit consent before collecting and using personal data.

The UK GDPR also gives individuals the right to access, modify, and delete their personal data and requires organizations to report data breaches to authorities within 72 hours of becoming aware of the breach.

The UK Data Protection Toolkit provides guidance and resources to help organizations understand their obligations under the UK GDPR and implement best practices for data privacy and security.

The toolkit includes a self-assessment tool, guidance documents, and templates to help organizations comply with the UK GDPR’s requirements.

ISO/IEC 27001 – Information Security Management System

ISO/IEC 27001 is an international standard that specifies requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an Information Security Management System (ISMS). An ISMS is a systematic approach to managing sensitive company information, such as financial data, intellectual property, and customer information, in order to protect its confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

The ISO/IEC 27001 standard provides a framework for identifying, analysing, and mitigating security risks, and includes guidelines for implementing security controls to protect information assets. The standard emphasizes a risk-based approach to security management, which involves assessing risks and implementing appropriate security controls based on the level of risk. ISO/IEC 27001 also requires regular monitoring and review of the ISMS to ensure its effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement.

Compliance with ISO/IEC 27001 can help organizations demonstrate their commitment to information security and provide assurance to customers and stakeholders that their sensitive information is being managed and protected effectively. The certification process involves a third-party audit, which verifies that the organization’s ISMS complies with the standard’s requirements.

ISO 22301 – Business Continuity Management System

ISO 22301 is an international standard that specifies requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving a Business Continuity Management System (BCMS).

A BCMS is a systematic approach to identifying and managing risks that could disrupt critical business operations and processes, such as natural disasters, cyber attacks, or equipment failures.

The ISO 22301 standard provides a framework for developing a business continuity strategy, including risk assessment, business impact analysis, and development of continuity plans and procedures.

The standard emphasizes a proactive approach to business continuity management, which involves preparing for potential disruptions before they occur.

ISO 22301 also requires regular testing and evaluation of the BCMS to ensure its effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement. Compliance with ISO 22301 can help organizations minimize the impact of disruptions on their operations, protect their reputation and brand, and ensure that they can continue to provide essential products and services to their customers.

The certification process involves a third-party audit, which verifies that the organization’s BCMS complies with the standard’s requirements.

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