Part of Guide for volunteers: Helping someone set up their NHS App
Data protection and safeguarding
Data protection considerations
As a volunteer, you must understand and keep to key data protection principles.
- don't handle devices: Guide verbally rather than physically handling their devices
- never view or handle personal data: Make sure you don’t see passwords or personal medical information
- be aware of your surroundings: Ensure screens aren't visible to others
Safeguarding considerations
As a volunteer helping potentially vulnerable individuals.
- verify capacity: Ensure the person understands what they're doing and can make informed decisions about their NHS account
- report concerns: Always follow your organisation's safeguarding policy and procedures and remember that safeguarding is everyone's responsibility
- avoid coercion: Never pressure someone into creating an account
- maintain boundaries: Your role is to guide, not to take control of the process
Last edited: 2 July 2025 4:13 pm