Approving PCSE Online user role requests

This information is relevant to ICBs only.

GP practices and other primary care organisations may contact your ICB to approve a request to create a PCSE Online user role. This page explains why ICB approval is sometimes needed, what you are being asked to authorise, and what happens next.

Why practices may contact you

Most PCSE Online access is now managed locally by organisations through their own User Administrators. This gives organisations greater control over access and supports information governance and security requirements.

PCSE is only able to support user role requests in a small number of situations, including where:

• an organisation does not have a User Administrator in place, or
• a Main Contact needs to be created, updated or removed

In these circumstances, PCSE requires an authorised request before a User Administration role can be set up. Depending on the organisation and role, this authorisation may need to be provided by an appropriate ICB representative.

What you are being asked to approve

When you are asked to approve a request, you are confirming that:

• the role being requested is appropriate for the organisation
• the nominated individual has a legitimate reason to access PCSE Online
• the request aligns with information governance requirements

You are not being asked to manage access, create users, or assign permissions yourself.

Once a User Administrator is in place, responsibility for managing access sits with the organisation.

What happens after approval

Once PCSE receives an authorised request:

1. The request is checked to ensure it is complete and appropriate
2. PCSE creates the relevant User Administration role
3. The organisation manages all further access locally through their User Administrator

Why approvals matter

PCSE Online is a financial system accessed through a web browser. Approvals help ensure that:

• access to sensitive financial and personal data is appropriate
• unauthorised access is prevented
• information governance standards are consistently applied across primary care

ICB approvals play an important role in maintaining the security and integrity of PCSE Online.