Line managers remote access to their PCs’ emails

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.23.031670

I note you seek access to the following information:

Is there a way for line managers to get remote access to their PCs’ emails/ access to their emails without them knowing or being asked to provide the emails.

Decision

I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.

Please find below information pursuant to your request above.

Line Managers are not provided the capability to access their staff’s email. Under certain circumstances, for example to manage or reallocate work due to unexpected absence, a service request may be logged with the IT Service Desk for access to data from a User account.

These requests must include detail of what needs to be accessed and why, as well as include evidence of written authority provided by at least Superintendent or Band A. The request must also be considered and approved or rejected by the requestor’s line manager.