NHSmail

During Covid-19, the requirement to complete the Data Security and Protection Toolkit before accessing NHSmail has been temporarily waived until 30th June 2021. There is a new, fast track registration process for applying for NHSmail accounts. 

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.

The Benefits of NHSmail

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

There are case studies on the use of NHSmail linked at the bottom of this page.

Access to NHSmail

There are 3 possible routes to NHSmail:-

1. 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 administrator 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’

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

• The main route for small providers, administrative support is provided centrally
• Register via the online self-service portal – usually completed by a care site.
• Nationally administrated, no administrators are required within the social care organisation.
• Dedicated admin support managed via Accenture helpdesk – [email protected]
• Generally, the shared mailbox owner for each site manages joiners and leavers. Other responsibilities are detailed in the guide
• Bulk upload facility is available, however there could be a long lead time if large numbers of accounts are required
• May be complicated if the organisation structure is not reflected correctly in the ODS code HQ/site hierarchy (as often seems to be the case)
• The default account allowance is up to 10 named user accounts and 1 shared mailbox per site
• Naming convention for shared mailbox – [email protected].
• CQC Registered Services only

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.