About the National Registration Authority and Smartcard Policy programme
NHS Digital launched the Care Identity Service (CIS) in February 2015, introducing new Authentication, Directory and Smartcard Identity Registration services for secure access to Health and Social Care data.
This service replaced the former spine identity management service (UIM and CMS) and is currently being used by RA (Registration Authority) Managers (RAMs) and their RA staff (RA Agents, Sponsors, ID Checkers and Local Smartcard Administrators) in each of the RA Service Provider Organisations who manage Smartcard access for 1.1 million Smartcard holders/healthcare professionals across the country.
RAMs are trusted individuals who are nominated by the Board or Executive Management Team to act as the RAM for that particular Service Provider Organisation and any subsequent child organisations. They are responsible for developing and implementing local RA policy and processes, creating a digital identity for healthcare professionals who require access to data held on clinical/non-clinical smartcard enabled systems.
RAMs are also responsible for production and management of Smartcards, assignment of the appropriate access rights to an individuals Smartcard, setting up the RA governance structure and ensuring all newly appointed RA staff receive the appropriate level of RA policy and role specific training and are competent in the use of CIS.
How long will it take to complete?
The course will take approximately 25 minutes including a 5 minute assessment at the end, which requires a 100% pass mark.
Is there any further, more detailed, RA training for my particular RA role?
RA Role Specific training materials can be found here: https://digital.nhs.uk/article/311/Registration-Authorities-and-Smartcards however, you should liaise with your local RA Manager about how and when to complete this.
Meet the team
Warner Baker
Information Governance and Security Specialist – NHS Digital, Access Control, Implementation and Business Change (IBC) Central TeamLise Addison
Project Manager – NHS Digital, Access Control, Implementation and Business Change (IBC) Central Team
How to access
In order to access the National Registration Authority (RA) and Smartcard Policy programme, you will need an elfh account. If you do not have one, then you can register by selecting the Register button below.
To view the National Registration Authority (RA) and Smartcard Policy programme, select the View button below. If you already have an account with elfh, you will also be able to login and enrol on the programme from the View button.
NHS healthcare staff in England
The National Registration Authority (RA) and Smartcard Policy programme is also available to NHS healthcare staff via the Electronic Staff Record (ESR). Accessing this elearning via ESR means that your completions will transfer with you throughout your NHS career.
Further details are available here.
Not an NHS organisation?
If you are not an NHS health or care organisation and therefore do not qualify for free access elfh Hub, you may be able to access the service by creating an OpenAthens account.
To check whether or not you qualify for free access via OpenAthens, you can view the eligibility criteria and register on the ‘OpenAthens’ portal.
Registering large numbers of users
If you are a HR, IT or Practice Manager and would like to register and enrol large numbers of staff within your organisation for access onto the National Registration Authority (RA) and Smartcard Policy programme, please contact elfh directly.
Organisations wishing to use their own LMS
For HR departments wanting to know more about gaining access to courses using an existing Learning Management System please contact elfh directly to express interest.
More information
Please select the following link for more information on how to use the elfh Hub.