FAQs
Answers
Will GC Mail mean that all emails by a local authority will be secure?
No. LAs will need to set up second mailboxes for their users who have a requirement for sending mail securely. Users should use their existing .gov.uk addresses for all internet based emails. The individual user will choose to send/receive email from their appropriate inbox.
Can Government Connect provide monitoring reports of activity across the GCSX network?
Yes, nominated GC Customer Single Points of Contact can apply to see some aspects of activity for their GCSX circuits. This should be requested through the GC Service Desk (see the Operational Support Guide for more information).
In addition, the GC Management Body will be provided with additional reports for the whole GCSX network by the Service Provider.
What is the relationship between Government Connect secure mail and that provided by Criminal Justice?
Government Connect and Criminal Justice both provide a Secure Mail solution. The Criminal Justice Secure Mail (CJSM) is provided to Users engaged in work with the Criminal Justice service. Unlike GCSX, CJSM is an internet-based solution for organisations not connected to a government-approved network (e.g. GCSX) and should only be used in relation to Criminal Justice related data.
A GC mail account enables local authority users to email staff securely in other local authorities, Central Government departments, NHS departments and the Police as well as Criminal Justice Secure Mail (CJSM) Users. GCSX uses a private secure resilient network and is an HMG-approved solution. Where specific policies exist, these may mandate the use of GCSX rather than CJSM. Local authorities should consider replacing their CJSM accounts with GCSX email accounts.
What is the relationship between Government Connect secure mail and that provided by NHS?
Government Connect and NHS both offer a secure way to send data via email (Government Connect Mail and NHS Mail respectively). Local authority staff can and indeed should, use a Government Connect Mail account (.gcsx.gov.uk) to send and receive patient data to and from health sector staff with NHS Mail accounts (.nhs.net). This has recently been confirmed in official guidance on the use of NHS mail.
A GCSX email account also enables local authority staff to email other local authorities securely, most central government departments and the police as well as the NHS staff.
My company / organisation (e.g. Police Service, NHS Trust, Fire and Rescue Service) works closely with a local authorities. Can we connect to the Government Connect network and start sharing information securely with them?
The Government Connect Secure eXtranet (GCSX) is currently only available to public sector organisations working at local level, across England and Wales, however:
- Government Connect Secure eXtranet (GCSX) is part of the wider GSi community. If your organisation is connected to a network that is either part of the GSi (i.e. GSI, xGSI, GSX, GCSX or GSE) or is securely connected to it (e.g. Police via the Police National Network PNN or NHS.net email users) you can already share personal sensitive, RESTRICTED and patient identifiable data securely with local authorities connected to GCSX. You just need to ask the local authority to provide GCSX email to the relevant staff you wish to share information securely with.
- If you are a 3rd Party supplier to local government there are a number of options for you to achieve secure connectivity.
- Fire and Rescue Services will be able to buy direct GCSX connections from 1 April 2011. Fire & Rescue Services wishing to pursue connectivity should do so via the Buying Solutions team who manage the GSi and all the networks within it. GC has supported a pilot for connecting Welsh Fire & Rescue Services to GCSX via the existing GCSX aggregate connection currently serving all Welsh local authorities (PSBN).
- For information on other connections to GSi networks please email gsi@buyingsolutions.gsi.gov.uk and Buying Solutions will provide you with the correct procedures to move forward.
Who else is connected to GCSX, GSI, GSE, GSX ?
See here: www.gsi.gov.uk/who-is-on.htm (Please note that you must be connected to the GSi to access this link.)
Should local authorities have one mailbox or have two mailboxes (GCSX mail account and gov.uk mail account)?
GC recommends that users have two mail accounts and use the GCSX mailbox to transfer RESTRICTED information and use the other mailbox for anything else.
Is there any training required by operational staff to use GCSX?
Yes. The security controls imposed by the GCSX Code of Connection require adequate training to be delivered especially around access to GCSX and handling of protectively marked information. The individual overseeing implementation of GCSX for your local authority should have information on training staff.
Who do I call for Code of Connection status updates?
For specific questions on the status of a local authorities Code of Connection analysis please forward the enquiry to gcsx.security@siemens-enterprise.gse.gov.uk further information can be found at www.govconnect.gov.uk/reassessment.php
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