Digitising Social Care Records (DSCR)
The Digitising Social Care Records fund is being managed by NHS England. The aim is to support those care providers who are still using paper records, to move to approved digital solutions. Digital transformation can dramatically improve the quality and safety of care.
Staffordshire County Council, Stoke-on-Trent City Council and the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care System are working together to bring this fund to local care providers.
What can be funded?
The Care Market Development Team continues to be responsible for the administration of these funds across the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent ICS.
We can currently fund up to £6000 per registered location or 50% of the year one implementation costs, whichever is the lower of the amounts.
For example, we would potentially be able to contribute £6000 towards £13,000 of year one implementation costs. If your year one implementation costs were £7000, we would be able to potentially contribute £3500.
The Digital Social Care Record (DSCR) funding program application deadline is 28th February 2025, claims for funding must be made to providers by 15th March 2025. No payments made after this date.
What is the Criteria?
Registered Location: Care providers must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in either Staffordshire or Stoke-on-Trent. This includes care homes, home care services, supported living, and shared lives services. Unregistered locations cannot receive funding.
Accredited Supplier: Care providers must select a Digital Social Care Record (DSCR) system from the list of accredited suppliers. Systems from suppliers outside this list are not eligible for funding. However, exceptions can be made if you are procuring a system outside the accredited supplier list, but the program still wants to understand your needs.
Data Security Protection Toolkit (DSPT) Compliance: Care providers should have a current DSPT or be willing to achieve compliance within the current financial year. If you need support with DSPT compliance, contact DSPTsupport@sarcp.com
NHS Mail Account: Care providers must have an active NHS mail account or commit to activating one within the current financial year. Having a current DSPT is a prerequisite for accessing NHS mail.
No Previous Funding: Applicants must not have previously accessed this fund.
Limitations: Funding is specifically for the implementation of a Digital Social Care Record (DSCR) system and cannot be used for other software solutions, such as staff rostering systems.
How to Apply?
If you meet the criteria and wish to apply for DSCR funding, follow these steps:
Utilize Assured Supplier Tool: Begin by using the Digital Social Care assured supplier tool to identify a suitable DSCR system.
Gather Quotes: Collect quotes from potential suppliers and gain a thorough understanding of the systems and their benefits.
Develop digital skills: support your team's digital skills and find relevant training
Submit Expression of Interest: Once you have chosen a DSCR system and obtained a quote, submit an expression of interest application form to DigitalFundingEnquiries@staffordshire.gov.uk You do not need to have signed the contract with your chosen supplier at this stage. Funding decisions will be based on the quote provided, and funding is subject to change if the contract value differs from the quote.
Complete Surveys: After a successful funding application, you will be required to complete a short baseline benefits survey. Additionally, six and 12 months after implementing the chosen DSCR system, you must complete a short implementation benefits survey to assess its impact on your care service.
Further information
For any inquiries or questions, please contact DigitalFundingEnquiries@staffordshire.gov.uk Alternatively, monthly online DSCR sessions are available to go over what funding is available and what further support we can offer.