Digital Capabilities Framework has been updated						

					

											
13 August 2025

									

			

							

					

					
	   					

				

					

	




    



    
        


            

                


                    

                        
Enable your workforce to build and strengthen their digital confidence now


Developed by NHS Education for Scotland on behalf of Scottish Government and COSLA, the Digital and Data Capability Framework is designed to support the development of digital capabilities for everyone working in health and social care in Scotland and is also open to housing professionals too. It identifies the digital skills, knowledge, and behaviours the workforce needs to do their job and deliver safe, good quality care and support.


Why the Update?


There is a commitment to review and refresh the framework on an annual basis to ensure it is always current, relevant, and usable. Both the Digital and Data Capability Framework and Self-Assessment Tool have been updated for 2025.


 


What informed the update?


    

  • User feedback since the framework launch in July 2024
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  • Developments in digital health and care and digital changes like the progression of AI and increased cyber threats
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  • Ensuring continued alignment with other frameworks, standards, and strategies
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So, What’s New?


    

  • Improved examples to support understanding of the capability statements
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  • Greater emphasis on artificial intelligence across relevant areas
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  • Clearer distinction between personal online safety and organisational cyber security
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  • Stronger focus on personal responsibility for digital development
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  • Additional questions at the end of the self-assessment to capture anonymous organisation and role information that will help build a sector-wide picture of digital capabilities and allow the development of targeted resources where required
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What you need to do next:


    

  • Take action to ensure the framework and resources reach every member of your workforce
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  • Integrate the framework within your organisation’s induction and professional development programmes to embed digital upskilling at all levels
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  • Share this information proactively with your networks, colleagues, and teams to maximise its impact
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  • Complete the Self-Assessment Tool to gain an accurate understanding of your own digital capabilities and discuss your findings with colleagues
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Further information on how organisations can use the framework can be found here. For full instructions and more information please visit the framework site.


 


This resource is provided Digitally Enabled Workforce Team, NHS Education for Scotland.