Schemes & Profiles

A scheme is a definition of a trust framework, rather than the trust service itself. So a scheme will set out the parameters and standards that are required of a trust service. Trust service providers (TSPs) use schemes to create and administer trust services.

Examples of Trust Services for which tScheme has either created Profiles against which organisations are independently assessed or has assisted in developing are:

• UKDIATF – The UK Digital Identity and Attributes Trust 
  Framework is a set of rules that digital identity and attribute services can become independently certified against.
• tScheme for Police – An accreditation scheme to underpin membership of the Police’s PKI. The linked page should remain, but the related content elements of this deleted.
• Smart Metering Key Infrastructure (SMKI) – SMKI is the public key infrastructure (PKI) for smart meters in the UK.
• NHS Digital – NHS Digital exists to improve health and care by providing national information, data and IT services for patients, clinicians, commissioners and researchers.

Profiles cover the criteria against which TSPs will be assessed when they apply for tScheme approval.

tScheme in the private sector

Many major brands use tScheme approval for the services they offer organisations and consumers. This provides independent evidence of credibility and trust, in much the same way that ISO certification does for other business services and processes. tScheme approval signifies that the service conforms to one or more defined Profiles that has been audited and assessed independently.