Interoperability – the ability for different systems to securely share and use information – is becoming a central expectation in national health and care policy. This latest policy briefing outlines how digital change is accelerating and what it means for adult social care providers.
National ambitions such as the 10‑Year Health Plan for England and the Single Patient Record point towards a future where information flows more easily across organisational boundaries. To be part of this system, adult social care providers will increasingly need digital records capable of structured, standards‑based data sharing.
Locally, Shared Care Records continue to expand and mature. While most currently connect NHS partners, inclusion of social care varies between areas and relies on both technical capability and shared governance. As the national Connecting Care Records Programme ends in 2026, responsibility will sit more firmly with local systems.
NHS England is also developing a Social Care Interoperability Platform to give providers more consistent and scalable routes to connect digital social care records with wider health and care systems.
Standards such as the Minimum Operational Data Standard (MODS) and new powers under the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 will play an increasing role in shaping expectations for suppliers, procurement and data quality.
For providers, interoperability will require:
• digital systems aligned to national standards
• participation in local shared care record arrangements
• strong governance and role‑based access controls
• clear communication with people drawing on care about how their information is shared
Overall, interoperability is shifting from optional innovation to core infrastructure for person‑centred, integrated care.
For more details click here- Policy briefing: Interoperability – Digital Care Hub