NHSmail

NHSmail is a free, secure email system that is available to all CQC- registered care providers in England[1] who have achieved Approaching Standards on the Data Security and Protection Toolkit. Non-CQC registered providers can use the third party option at the bottom of the page.

There is guidance on how to apply for NHSmail and how to use your accounts below.

The Benefits of NHSmail

This contributes to safe and high-quality care for those we support.

Read our case studies on NHSmail.

Access to NHSmail

There are 3 possible routes to NHSmail:-

1. National Administration Service (NAS) Portal (Decentralised)

• The main route for small providers, administrative support is provided centrally https://support.nhs.net/knowledge-base/registering-a-social-care-organisation-e-g-a-care-provider-or-care-home-service/
• Register via the online self-service portal
• Dedicated admin support managed via Accenture helpdesk – careadmin@nhs.net
• The default account allowance is up to 10 named user accounts and 1 shared mailbox per site
• Naming convention for shared mailbox – care.ODScode@nhs.net.
• CQC Registered Services only

2. Self-Management (Top Down)

• Suitable for large organisations, i.e. those that have their own IT function, and have the expertise and technological proficiency to carry out the local administratorA system user with the highest level of privileges in a particular system or software and sufficient access rights to allow them to manage the access rights of other system users and carry out other high-level computer management tasks. More role
• Organisations manage the accounts themselves – starters, leavers, password resets etc.
• Organisations can integrate NHSmail with their own IT and HR procedures
• The default account allowance is up to 10 user accounts and 1 shared mailbox per site
• Register using the self-management application form. This is completed at HQ level, sites are later added as ‘organisation units’

3. Third Party route (For Non-CQC Registered Services)

• Separate Application Route – Third Party Process and application form
• Must be providing or supporting publicly funded health and social care
• If your commissioner has stipulated that your organisation uses NHSmail as part of a contract, the commissioning organisation should provide you with sponsor email accounts for the duration of your contract with them. More information is available here: https://support.nhs.net/knowledge-base/registering-an-independent-organisation-providing-or-supporting-publicly-funded-health-and-social-care/

If you would like more information on how to register for NHSmail, please contact us: https://www.digitalsocialcare.co.uk/contact-us/

[1] Services provided in Wales and Northern Ireland are not eligible for NHSmail. For Scotland, there is a separate application process with different eligibility criteria.

This video will tell you how to activate and use your NHSmail account. There are more short videos below.