Personal Phones Widely Used in Care, but Policies Often Missing
A new study has revealed that many adult social care providers rely on staff using their own phones for work, but clear guidance on how to do this safely is often lacking.
The survey of 775 people — 606 managers and 169 frontline staff — shows that one in two care providers now use a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) approach. Despite this, only half of those organisations have a policy in place, and most staff say they have never seen or signed one.
Between 2019 and 2024, the Information Commissioner’s Office logged over 200 data breaches in social care — nearly two-thirds caused by human error.
Key Findings Include:
- Personal mobiles are by far the most common device used (97%).
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Home care providers are the biggest users of BYOD, with 53% reporting it as standard practice.
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Smaller organisations are more likely to adopt BYOD due to cost pressures.
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70% of staff using their own phones said they would prefer an employer-issued device.
Helping providers manage BYOD
In response, Digital Care Hub is preparing to launch a free Data Policy Builder tool. Its first template focuses on BYOD, giving care managers a simple way to design their own policy, understand risks, explore secure apps and device management solutions, and train staff on safe working practices.
Daniel O’Shaughnessy, Head of Programme Delivery at Digital Care Hub, said:
“Small providers often don’t have the budget to buy devices for every member of staff. BYOD will remain part of the sector, so the challenge is making sure it’s done safely.”
Sector voices
Industry leaders, including Dr Jane Townson OBE, CEO of the Homecare Association, have welcomed the findings:
“BYOD may be unavoidable for many providers, but the lack of clear governance is worrying. Practical tools such as the Data Policy Builder will help, but we also need to address the funding gap that prevents secure investment in technology.”
The report, The State of BYOD in Adult Social Care (2025), is available now on the Digital Care Hub website, with a preview of the new tool taking place at the Care Show 2025 and in an online webinar on 14 October.
Source & Credits
This article is based on The State of BYOD in Adult Social Care (2025), commissioned by Digital Care Hub and the Better Security, Better Care programme, and carried out by The PSC (The Public Service Consultants). Data breach figures referenced are from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).