TSA welcomes progress on digital social care and ongoing national commitment

0​5 December 2025

The Department of Health and Social Care has today released its latest update on the national rollout of Digital Social Care Records. The announcement confirms that 80 percent of CQC registered providers are now using digital records, supporting nearly 90 percent of people drawing on care. It also provides new clarity on what “fully digitised” means for providers and sets out the next steps in building stronger national data infrastructure for social care. TSA welcomes this update and the continued commitment to a digitally confident and connected sector.

This progress reflects how far the sector has come in a short space of time. The move toward digital social care is no longer an ambition for the future. It is becoming a day-to-day reality that is improving safety, speeding up decisions and releasing time back to care. Digital records reduce administrative burden, allow staff to understand risks sooner and help avoid repeated conversations that slow down care. Several DSCR solutions also allow friends and family, with consent, to view information about the care of a loved one, supporting transparency and reassurance.

Digital tools play a central role in the government’s wider ambition to shift more care out of hospitals and into neighbourhood health services that bring together primary care, community care and social care teams. High quality data, shared safely and appropriately, is what makes this possible. It strengthens continuity, reduces avoidable risks and helps people remain well at home with a clearer, more joined up support network.

TSA has long supported this direction. Through our influencing work, our leadership in the Digital Switchover programme and our collaboration with DHSC, NHS England, local government and providers, we have championed a consistent and safe approach to digital care. Our stewardship of the Quality Standards Framework, delivered through our assurance partner TEC Quality, helps organisations understand what good looks like when adopting care technologies that must be safe, reliable and interoperable.

We also recognise that digital transformation depends on a confident workforce. TSA continues to support the workforce in our sector through our Virtual Home training environment and CPD accredited courses that build practical digital skills. These tools help staff use digital systems effectively so that the full benefits of DSCRs can be realised.

Speaking on today’s announcement, Alyson Scurfield, Chief Executive of TSA, said, “The momentum behind digital social care shows what is possible when the sector works together. Digital records are improving quality and safety and giving staff more time with the people they support. It is encouraging to see continued national commitment to a future where digital tools strengthen care, not complicate it.”

Today’s announcement reinforces the shared ambition to build a modern, interoperable health and care system. TSA will continue working with DHSC, NHS England and our members to ensure digital technology enhances quality, safety and people’s everyday lives.

I​f you have any questions on the digital switchover, please email us at ALLIP@tsa-voice.org.uk.