Handling Confidential Data via Email in Adult Social Care

Confidential or personal data refers to any information that can identify an individual, such as names, addresses, health conditions, care plans, financial details, or safeguarding concerns. In adult social care, the secure handling of such data is essential to protect individuals' privacy and comply with data protection regulations.

This survey aims to understand how ASC providers manage the sending and receiving of confidential data via email, the platforms used, and any challenges or risks encountered.

The survey will close on Friday 31st October 2025 at midday.

Data Use Statement

All data collected in this survey may be shared for research and improvement purposes, but only in an anonymised form. No identifiable information will be disclosed.

Section 1: About You

Name of provider (optional)

Maximum 255 characters

0/255

Type of care provider

* required

Select option

Do you have access to NHS.net Connect (previously NHSmail)?

Select option

Do you have a secure email system configured to DCB1596?

Select option

Section 2: Sending Confidential Data

Which platforms or systems do you use to send confidential data?

* required

Please list all

Are sent files encrypted?

To clients and families...

Always

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

To Local Authorities...

Always

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

To other care providers

Always

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

NHS departments...

Always

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

Pharmacies...

Always

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

Are sent files password protected?

To clients and families...

Always

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

To Local Authorities...

Always

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

To other care providers

Always

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

NHS departments...

Always

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

Pharmacies...

Always

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

Section 3: Receiving Confidential data

Which platforms or systems do you use to receive confidential data?

Please list all

Are receieved files encrypted?

To clients and families...

Always

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

To Local Authorities...

Always

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

To other care providers

Always

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

NHS departments...

Always

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

Pharmacies...

Always

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

10.

Are receieved files password protected?

To clients and families...

Always

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

To Local Authorities...

Always

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

To other care providers

Always

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

NHS departments...

Always

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

Pharmacies...

Always

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

Section 4: Experiences and Concerns

11.

Have you ever been asked to send confidential data via an insecure method?

Not sure

Yes- please describe the situation briefly (no identifiable details):

12.

Have you ever received confidential data via an insecure method?

Not sure

Yes- please describe the situation briefly (no identifiable details):

13.

Have you ever reported or been involved in a data breach or near miss related to email communication?

Prefer not to say

Yes- please describe the situation briefly (no identifiable details):

14.

Have staff in your organisation received training on secure data handling and email protocols?

Yes, within the last 12 months

Yes, but more than 12 months ago

Not sure

15.

Who would you look to for support around secure data sharing?

Local Authority (LA)

Care Quality Commission (CQC)

Digital Care Hub website

Local Support Organisations (LSOs)

Other (please specify)

16.

Do you have any concerns or suggestions about improving secure data sharing in adult social care?