Digital skills

An overview of the digital skills adult social care staff need to use technology safely, confidently and ethically to support high‑quality, person‑centred care.

Last updated: 6th February

Digital skills

Digital skills can be divided into two main categories:

  • Technical skills: These are the skills needed to use digital devices and software applications. They include things like using a computer, smartphone, or tablet; connecting to the internet; and using basic software applications like word processing and spreadsheets.
  • Information and communication skills: These are the skills needed to find, evaluate, use, and share information using digital tools and technologies. They include things like searching the internet, using social media, and communicating via email and video conferencing. 

Digital skills are essential for work, education, and everyday life. There are many ways to develop your digital skills, so find a learning method that works for you and be patient. With a little effort, you can learn the digital skills you need to succeed in today's world.

Digital Skills Framework

The Adult Social Care Digital Skills Framework is a tool for adult social staff to learn and improve their digital skills. 

  • Using technology to support person-centred care in social care is about using digital tools and devices to help people live their lives to the fullest and receive the care they need in a way that is respectful of their individual choices.
  • Technical skills for using technology are the skills needed to use digital tools and devices to safely and effectively deliver care services. These skills can include using computers, the internet, software applications, and troubleshooting basic IT problems.
  • Communicating through technology means using digital tools and devices to stay in touch with people who receive care, their loved ones, and other care providers. This can help to improve the quality of care and coordination of care.
  • Using and managing data means collecting, storing, and using data about people who receive care, their loved ones, and care services to improve the quality of care, make informed decisions, and comply with legal requirements. It is important to use and manage data in a responsible and ethical way.
  • Being safe and secure online means taking steps to protect the privacy and security of personal and confidential data. This includes using strong passwords, keeping software up to date, being careful about what information is shared online, and being aware of common online scams and phishing attacks.

 Social care workers should also be aware of the specific risks associated with using technology in social care, such as the need to protect personal and confidential data about the people they support. 

  • Ethical use of technology means using digital tools and devices in a way that respects the rights and dignity of everyone involved. This includes obtaining consent, promoting independence, protecting privacy, and being fair and equitable.
  • Digital learning, development, and wellbeing means using technology to support staff to learn and develop new skills, and to maintain their wellbeing. This can help staff to stay up-to-date, develop new skills, build resilience, and improve their overall well-being. 

Further information on sourcing digital skills training can be found on the Digitising Social Care website.

Skills for Care have a range of free bitesize Digital Skills eLearning modules, in line with the Digital Skills Framework. The modules are designed to support people working in adult social care to develop their digital skills and gain knowledge and understanding on how digital, data and technology is used in the sector.