New research shows 50% of adult social care providers rely on staff using their personal phones or tablets, yet many have failed to receive any guidance on how to use them safely.
Yesterday (7th October), the Digital Care Hub published the findings of their latest research which focused on the ‘Bring Your Own Device’ (BYOD) approach, a strategy that has been adopted by hundreds of care providers across the UK. The research came in the form of a survey and included 775 care professionals, making it the largest project of its kind.
The findings can be described as nothing short of shocking. The survey highlights that although 50% of care providers make use of a BYOD approach, only half have formal policies in place to safeguard staff – just 40% of carers said they remember signing a guidance document.
Experts found the practice is most common in home care settings and among smaller providers. As such, the survey revealed that 58% of managers said they introduced the BYOD strategy in a bid to save money and almost all BYOD use (97%) is through personal phones, with care workers often relying on consumer messaging apps and unsecured WIFI to share information or access care systems.
Despite the apparent risks, 70% of managers rated BYOD as a ‘low risk’ to their organisation. However, the report suggests many data breaches may go unnoticed, with 211 digital incidents reported to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) in the social care sector between 2019 and 2024. What’s more, almost two-thirds of these were caused by human error.
‘BYOD can seem like a win-win — it saves money and staff get to use the phones they already have,’ Daniel O’Shaughnessy, head of programme delivery at Digital Care Hub, said. ‘But the reality is it’s risky if you don’t manage it properly. Many small providers simply can’t afford to give everyone a phone, so we need to help them do BYOD safely, with the right policies, training, and controls in place.’
The research, which can be accessed in full here, was published in line with Cyber Security Awareness Month and previewed at the Care Show 2025, which prompted calls for better governance and support. Dr Jane Townson OBE, chief executive officer of the Homecare Association, added: ‘This research highlights a significant challenge for homecare providers. Whilst BYOD has become widespread, often driven by financial necessity, the gap between adoption and proper governance is concerning.
‘When most staff cannot recall signing a policy and seven in ten would prefer an organisation-provided device, we clearly need better support. The research and plans for the new Data Policy Builder are very welcome. We must also address the underlying issue of tight financial margins that prevent providers from investing in secure devices and robust technical controls in the first place.’
With an aim to help, Digital Care Hub a free tool, otherwise known as ‘the Data Policy Builder’, to assist care providers in creating tailored BYOD policies. The tool includes step-by-step guidance, technical advice, and staff training resources. It is set to be officially announced on 14th October during a public webinar.
Photo by Eirik Solheim via UnSplash
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