‘Data security and information governance’ may relate to the protection of data, systems, and networks. NHS services providers including community pharmacy contractors continue to give assurances to the NHS each year via the online self-assessment.

• Data Security and Protection Toolkit  and associated new guidance to assist 2019/20  submission (newer guidance highlighted gold). In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic the final deadline for Toolkit has been re-scheduled from March 31st 2020 to September 30th 2020.
  • Toolkit completion: Five steps to complete the Toolkit (overview)
  • Toolkit completion: Question-by-question guidance (mandatory questions) (PDF ver)
  • Toolkit completion: Question-by-question guidance (all questions) (spreadsheet ver)
  • Toolkit completion: Using the HQ batch submission feature – step-by-step guide and associated Checking pharmacies linked to HQ code using ODS portal factsheet. These explain how to request the feature is set-up for you. Contractors with three or more pharmacies may benefit from using the feature.
  • Watch Toolkit (2019/20) Workshop: on-demand webinar. PSNC and NHS Digital presented a 50-minute webinar to support Toolkit completion.
  • Toolkit completion: The national data opt-out system for patients and how to complete the DSPTK opt-out question
• Templates and resources
• Training
• FAQs
• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the related guidance including GDPR workbook and the GDPR staff training
• Data opt-out system for patients and how to complete the opt-out Toolkit question. The opt-out system enables patients to opt-out of their identifiable data being processed by health organisations that only have planning/research as the reason for the processing. Contractors complete an opt-out system question each year within their Toolkit. In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic the final deadline Opt-out compliance has been re-scheduled from March 31st 2020 to September 30th 2020 which aligns with the Toolkit deadline adjustment.

Read additional data security topics at:

• Access control methods (e.g. passwords, Smartcards)
• Cyber and technical security advice about how to prevent and deal with data and cyber issues
• Data Quality
• Fax usage
• Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) good practices for pharmacy
• Mobile messaging
• Mobile device usage and ‘bring your own device’ policy
• National data opt-out system for patients (for data processing for planning/research)
• NHS login – an authentication system for patients (used by NHS App and other apps) to reduce the number of logins/accounts needed by patients
• NHS Identity (authentication for health and care professionals)
• Routers
• Smartcards
• System settings and IT updates 
• Ten steps to help improve data and cyber security within your pharmacy (factsheet)
• Video conference
• Windows 7/10 transition guidance

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