Softcat Limited

Palo Alto Prisma Access

Prisma Access is a cloud-delivered security platform offered by Palo Alto Networks. It provides secure access to cloud and on-premises applications, following a zero-trust security model. Prisma Access protects users, devices, and data from cyber threats. The service also offers simplified management, visibility, scalability, and flexibility to accommodate your needs.

Features

• App-ID: Complete network visibility of all applications regardless of port
• User-ID: Visibility of all users and groups for policy, logging
• Threat Prevention: Prevention of known threats and malware
• WildFire: Identification and analysis of unknown malware
• URL Filtering: Customisable and rapid-responding URL filtering engine
• DNS Security service applies predictive analytics, machine learning, and automation
• Address global expansion and mobile workforce security
• Provides security for direct-to-internet and SD-WAN projects
• Rapidly deploy consistent security following a recent merger or acquisition
• Natively integrated with the Palo Alto Networks Security Operating Platform

Benefits

• Reduce your risk of attack by identifying/blocking zero-day malware
• Collapse multiple separate security services onto a single platform
• Cost effective service supporting all environments (small or large)
• Flexible policy-based access for different user group requirements
• Proactive approach to detection and prevention of cyber-attacks
• Detailed malware and threat analysis and reporting
• Control access and protect data in sanctioned, tolerated SaaS applications
• Block access to unsanctioned SaaS applications
• Connect branch offices to GlobalProtect cloud service over standard IPsec
• Connect mobile users on any supported device, anywhere and anytime

£90 a unit

Service documents

• Pricing document

  ODS

• Service definition document

  PDF

• Terms and conditions

  PDF

Request an accessible format

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need versions of these documents in a more accessible format, email the supplier at psitq@softcat.com. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.

Framework

G-Cloud 14

Service ID

617969701415439

Contact

Charles Harrison
01628 403403
psitq@softcat.com

Service scope

• Service constraints: N/A
• System requirements:
  • Reliable internet connectivity for seamless access to applications.
  • Compatible devices with supported operating systems for client installation.
  • User authentication credentials for secure access to applications.
  • Active subscriptions or licenses for Prisma Access service usage.
  • Compliance with data protection regulations for secure data handling.
  • Adequate bandwidth to support the expected user traffic volume.
  • Integration with existing network infrastructure for seamless deployment.
  • IT team with knowledge/skills for managing/configuring Prisma Access.
  • Proper network configuration to route traffic through Prisma Access service.
  • Periodic software updates and patches for maintaining security effectiveness.

User support

• Email or online ticketing support: Email or online ticketing
• Support response times: 24x7x365 Support; Priority 1 (Critical) - < 1 Hour ; Priority 2 (High) - 2 Hours; Priority 3 (Medium) - 4 Hours; Priority 4 (Low) - 8 Business Hours; Support Service Level Agreements (SLA) are identical for Monday to Friday and Weekends/Public Holidays.
• User can manage status and priority of support tickets: Yes
• Online ticketing support accessibility: WCAG 2.1 AAA
• Phone support: Yes
• Phone support availability: 24 hours, 7 days a week
• Web chat support: No
• Onsite support: Onsite support
• Support levels: All products come with a standard support offering included which entitles the customer to 24x7x365 email, telephone and web support.; A dedicated "Resident Engineer" is available as an additional purchase at $443,000 USD (List Price)
• Support available to third parties: Yes

Onboarding and offboarding

• Getting started: The available training options include instructor-led courses, self-paced e-learning courses, hands-on labs, and extensive documentation. Professional Services are also available in the form of "Quickstart" packages to rapidly onboard organisations.; ; The instructor-led courses cover essential aspects of Prisma Access, including its features, deployment options, administration, configuration, security policies, and integration with other security tools. These courses provide in-depth insights and practical knowledge through interactive sessions with experienced instructors.; ; For self-paced learning, Palo Alto Networks provides e-learning courses that users can access at their convenience. These courses cover various topics related to Prisma Access, allowing users to learn at their own pace and revisit the content as needed.; ; Hands-on labs offer users the opportunity to gain practical experience by simulating different configurations and scenarios. These labs enable users to apply their knowledge and enhance their skills in working with Prisma Access.; ; Extensive documentation and a knowledge base are also available, providing detailed guides, best practices, troubleshooting resources, and other relevant information to support users in their Prisma Access journey.; ; It's important to consult Palo Alto Networks' official website or contact their support team to get the most up-to-date information on the available training resources and options for Prisma Access.
• Service documentation: Yes
• Documentation formats:
  • HTML
  • PDF
• End-of-contract data extraction: When a Prisma Access contract ends, users have different options to extract their data and ensure a smooth transition. Here are some steps users can take:; ; 1. Data Backup: Before the contract ends, it is crucial to perform a comprehensive data backup. This includes saving any configuration files, security policies, user profiles, and other relevant data associated with Prisma Access.; ; 2. Export Logs and Reports: Users should extract logs, reports, and any other relevant data generated by Prisma Access during the contract period. This information can be essential for compliance, auditing, or historical analysis purposes.; ; 3. Data Migration: If users plan to transition to a different solution or platform, they should explore data migration options. This may involve exporting and converting configurations, policies, and user data to a format compatible with the new platform.; ; 4. Vendor Assistance
• End-of-contract process: At the end of a Prisma Access contract, the services provided by Prisma Access will cease. The contract will reach its agreed-upon end date, and the customer will no longer have access to the Prisma Access platform and its associated features and benefits. The customer will need to make alternative arrangements for their network security needs.; ; Prior to the contract end date, the customer and the service provider may engage in discussions regarding contract renewal. If both parties agree, they may negotiate new terms and conditions for a renewed contract. If no agreement is reached, the contract will terminate as scheduled.; ; During the contract termination process, the customer may be required to complete certain tasks. These tasks may include retrieving any data or information stored within the Prisma Access system, ensuring that critical information is not lost. The customer will need to transition to an alternative solution or provider for their network security requirements.; ; It is important for the customer to review the contract terms and conditions to understand the specific obligations and requirements at the end of the Prisma Access contract. Each contract may have its own provisions and procedures for termination or renewal.

Using the service

• Web browser interface: Yes
• Using the web interface: In the Prisma Access Strata Cloud Manager, users have the ability to configure and manage security policies, monitor network and security events, view and manage user and device information, generate reports, and integrate with other security solutions and platforms. They can define policies for secure access, monitor logs and alerts, access user and device information, generate reports for insights, and integrate with other tools.; ; However, users are typically restricted from modifying system-level configurations and settings, performing administrative tasks beyond their assigned roles and permissions, accessing or modifying system logs and audit trails, and accessing or modifying security controls and policies beyond their assigned scope. They also cannot configure or manage third-party integrations without proper permissions.; ; The limitations ensure the security and integrity of the system, preventing unauthorized modifications and access to critical settings. Users operate within their assigned roles and permissions to maintain the proper functioning of the Prisma Access Strata Cloud Manager.; ; Understanding their roles and permissions is crucial for users to ensure they perform actions within their designated scope and adhere to security best practices. This helps maintain a secure and controlled environment, preventing unauthorized access and maintaining the integrity of the Prisma Access Strata Cloud Manager.
• Web interface accessibility standard: WCAG 2.1 AA or EN 301 549
• Web interface accessibility testing: N/A
• API: Yes
• What users can and can't do using the API: The Prisma Access API provides users with the ability to programmatically perform various actions. It allows for automation, integration, and customization of the service. The key capabilities of the API include configuration management, user and device management, network configuration, event monitoring, report generation, and integration with third-party tools.; ; With the API, users can create, modify, and delete security policies, manage user and device information, configure network settings, retrieve logs and alerts, generate reports, and integrate with other security tools and platforms. These capabilities enable users to define access controls, update user attributes, configure routing policies, monitor network and security events, assess application usage, and enhance overall security capabilities.; ; However, it is important to note that there are limitations and restrictions in place to ensure the security, integrity, and performance of the system. Users should refer to the API documentation and follow the defined guidelines and restrictions to ensure secure and proper usage of the API. These restrictions are necessary to prevent unauthorised access or modifications and maintain the stability of the service.
• API automation tools:
  • Ansible
  • Chef
  • OpenStack
  • SaltStack
  • Terraform
  • Puppet
  • Other
• Other API automation tools: Python/Go Modules Available
• API documentation: Yes
• API documentation formats:
  • HTML
  • PDF
• Command line interface: Yes
• Command line interface compatibility:
  • Linux or Unix
  • Windows
  • MacOS
• Using the command line interface: This is not correct; SPNs and CANs cannot be accessed via CLI in Prisma Access. A better answer would be:; ; No, CLI commands cannot be directly run against Prisma Access Strata Cloud Manager. Prisma Access Strata Cloud Manager is a cloud-based management platform that provides centralized management and visibility for Prisma Access services.; ; To interact with Prisma Access Strata Cloud Manager, users typically use its graphical user interface (GUI) or API-based methods. The GUI allows users to perform various management tasks, configure policies, view reports, and monitor the health and performance of Prisma Access deployments.; ; Alternatively, users can leverage the Prisma Access API to programmatically interact with Prisma Access Strata Cloud Manager. The API provides a set of endpoints and methods that enable users to automate management tasks, integrate with other systems, and extract data from Prisma Access Strata Cloud Manager.; ; While CLI commands are not directly supported for Prisma Access Strata Cloud Manager, users may still have command-line access to the underlying infrastructure components, such as firewalls or security devices, which are managed by Prisma Access. In such cases, CLI commands specific to those components can be used for management and configuration purposes.

Scaling

• Scaling available: Yes
• Scaling type: Automatic
• Independence of resources: Global Scalability: PA is built on a globally distributed infrastructure, strategically located in multiple regions, ensuring the service can handle high traffic and distribute evenly.; ; Elasticity: PA can dynamically scale its resources based on demand. Additional resources can be allocated to handle increased traffic.; ; Load Balancing: LB techniques are employed to evenly distribute the traffic across multiple servers and data centres. This prevents any single server or data centre from being overwhelmed.; ; Quality of Service (QoS): Prisma Access prioritises critical applications and user traffic based on predefined QoS policies, ensuring important traffic receives the necessary bandwidth and responsiveness.
• Usage notifications: No

Analytics

• Infrastructure or application metrics: Yes
• Metrics types:
  • CPU
  • Disk
  • HTTP request and response status
  • Memory
  • Network
  • Number of active instances
  • Other
• Other metrics:
  • Network traffic analysis
  • User Experience Metrics
  • VPN Metrics
  • Threat and Vulnerability Metrics
  • Application Usage Analytics
• Reporting types:
  • API access
  • Real-time dashboards
  • Regular reports
  • Reports on request

Resellers

• Supplier type: Reseller (no extras)
• Organisation whose services are being resold: Palo Alto

Staff security

• Staff security clearance: Other security clearance
• Government security clearance: Up to Developed Vetting (DV)

Asset protection

• Knowledge of data storage and processing locations: Yes
• Data storage and processing locations:
  • European Economic Area (EEA)
  • Other locations
• User control over data storage and processing locations: Yes
• Datacentre security standards: Complies with a recognised standard (for example CSA CCM version 3.0)
• Penetration testing frequency: At least every 6 months
• Penetration testing approach: In-house
• Protecting data at rest:
  • Physical access control, complying with CSA CCM v3.0
  • Physical access control, complying with SSAE-16 / ISAE 3402
  • Physical access control, complying with another standard
  • Encryption of all physical media
  • Scale, obfuscating techniques, or data storage sharding
  • Other
• Other data at rest protection approach: Service are supplied from Google and Amazon Data centers (further information to follow); Google Security statement; https://cloud.google.com/security/overview/ ; https://cloud.google.com/security/; ; AWS Security Statement; https://aws.amazon.com/compliance/data-center/controls/ ; https://d1.awsstatic.com/whitepapers/aws-security-whitepaper; https://aws.amazon.com/compliance/data-center/data-centers/; ; All logs are stored in the Cortex data lake, user activity is monitored and stored in the Cortex data lake for the agreed retention period.
• Data sanitisation process: Yes
• Data sanitisation type:
  • Explicit overwriting of storage before reallocation
  • Deleted data can’t be directly accessed
  • Hardware containing data is completely destroyed
• Equipment disposal approach: Complying with a recognised standard, for example CSA CCM v.30, CAS (Sanitisation) or ISO/IEC 27001

Backup and recovery

• Backup and recovery: No

Data-in-transit protection

• Data protection between buyer and supplier networks:
  • Private network or public sector network
  • TLS (version 1.2 or above)
  • IPsec or TLS VPN gateway
  • Other
• Other protection between networks: Prisma Access safeguards data between the buyer's and our network through secure, encrypted connections using IPsec or SSL/TLS protocols. It employs advanced authentication to verify parties' identities, preventing unauthorized access. Granular access controls enable organizations to define specific data flow policies, enforcing the principle of least privilege. Additionally, Prisma Access utilizes advanced threat prevention technologies, including next-generation firewalls and intrusion prevention systems, to actively monitor and block malicious activities. This comprehensive approach encompasses encryption, authentication, access controls, and threat prevention to ensure robust data protection during transmission.
• Data protection within supplier network:
  • TLS (version 1.2 or above)
  • IPsec or TLS VPN gateway
  • Other
• Other protection within supplier network: Prisma Access protects data within our network through segmentation and micro-segmentation, isolating different network parts to prevent lateral threats and limit security breach impact. It employs advanced firewall capabilities, including deep packet inspection and intrusion prevention, to monitor and control network traffic, preventing unauthorized access. Robust encryption protocols safeguard data at rest and in transit, ensuring protection even in the event of unauthorized access. Furthermore, Prisma Access utilizes threat intelligence and machine learning to proactively identify and mitigate security risks, monitoring network traffic for anomalies. This ensures data safeguarding, reducing the risk of breaches and preserving data confidentiality and integrity.

Availability and resilience

• Guaranteed availability: Palo Alto Networks will use commercially reasonable efforts to make its Prisma Access; service (formerly GlobalProtect Cloud Service, “Service”) available at least 99.99%; during any calendar month. In the unlikely event that Palo Alto Networks does not meet; this service level commitment, Customer will be eligible to receive a service credit.; ; “Monthly Uptime Availability” is calculated by subtracting from 100% the percentage; of minutes during any calendar month that the Service is not available, excluding; downtime resulting from any planned outage wherein Palo Alto Networks had provided; prior notice or any emergency outage making it impracticable for Palo Alto Networks to; issue advance notice.; ; If Customer believes it is entitled to a service credit, it must: (a) open a case on the Customer Support Portal (http://support.paloaltonetworks.com) within 24 hours of an outage; and (b) submit a claim on the Claim Dashboard (https://supportcases.paloaltonetworks.com/apex/Communities_Claims) within 5 business days of the outage. When properly submitted, Palo Alto Networks shall use commercially reasonable efforts to adjudicate the claim promptly, no later than 15 days after root cause of the outage has been determined and the case closed.
• Approach to resilience: Prisma Access is designed with built-in resiliency to ensure continuous and reliable network security. It employs several key mechanisms to enhance its resilience.; ; Firstly, Prisma Access utilises a global network of Points of Presence (PoPs) strategically distributed across different regions. This distributed architecture enables load balancing and automatic failover, ensuring uninterrupted service even in the event of a localised failure.; ; Secondly, Prisma Access incorporates redundant components and multiple layers of fault tolerance. This includes redundant hardware, network connections, and power supplies, minimising the impact of hardware failures and ensuring high availability.; ; Thirdly, Prisma Access leverages dynamic routing protocols and intelligent traffic management algorithms. These mechanisms allow for efficient rerouting of traffic in the event of network congestion or failure, optimising performance and maintaining connectivity.; ; Moreover, Prisma Access employs proactive monitoring and alerting systems to promptly detect and respond to any issues or anomalies. This enables quick identification and resolution of potential problems, minimising downtime and maximising uptime.; ; Overall, the combination of distributed architecture, redundancy, fault tolerance, intelligent routing, and proactive monitoring makes Prisma Access resilient to disruptions, ensuring continuous and reliable network security for organisations.
• Outage reporting: Prisma Access provides various mechanisms to report service outages and communicate with customers regarding any disruptions or incidents.; ; Firstly, Palo Alto Networks maintains a dedicated status page or portal where customers can access real-time information about the status of Prisma Access services. This status page provides updates on any ongoing incidents, maintenance activities, or service outages.; ; Additionally, Prisma Access offers proactive monitoring and alerting capabilities. Palo Alto Networks monitors the service infrastructure and network health to promptly detect any issues or potential outages. In the event of a service outage, customers may receive automated notifications or alerts via email, SMS, or through the Prisma Access management console.; ; Furthermore, customers can also reach out to Palo Alto Networks' support team directly for assistance and information regarding service outages. The support team is available to provide timely updates, answer queries, and address any concerns related to service disruptions.; ; By utilising these reporting mechanisms, Prisma Access ensures transparent communication and keeps customers informed about any service outages or incidents, enabling them to take necessary actions and plan accordingly.

Identity and authentication

• User authentication:
  • 2-factor authentication
  • Public key authentication (including by TLS client certificate)
  • Identity federation with existing provider (for example Google apps)
  • Limited access network (for example PSN)
  • Dedicated link (for example VPN)
  • Username or password
• Access restrictions in management interfaces and support channels: Access to Prisma Access management interfaces and support channels is restricted through role-based access control (RBAC) and two-factor authentication (2FA). RBAC ensures that only authorized users with specific roles and permissions can access and perform actions within these interfaces. 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide additional authentication factors such as one-time passwords (OTPs) or mobile authentication apps. These measures help restrict access to authorised personnel and protect sensitive functionalities and data.
• Access restriction testing frequency: At least every 6 months
• Management access authentication:
  • 2-factor authentication
  • Public key authentication (including by TLS client certificate)
  • Identity federation with existing provider (for example Google Apps)
  • Limited access network (for example PSN)
  • Dedicated link (for example VPN)
  • Username or password
• Devices users manage the service through:
  • Dedicated device on a segregated network (providers own provision)
  • Dedicated device on a government network (for example PSN)
  • Dedicated device over multiple services or networks
  • Any device but through a bastion host (a bastion host is a server that provides access to a private network from an external network such as the internet)
  • Directly from any device which may also be used for normal business (for example web browsing or viewing external email)

Audit information for users

• Access to user activity audit information: Users have access to real-time audit information
• How long user audit data is stored for: User-defined
• Access to supplier activity audit information: Users contact the support team to get audit information
• How long supplier audit data is stored for: User-defined
• How long system logs are stored for: User-defined

Standards and certifications

• ISO/IEC 27001 certification: Yes
• Who accredited the ISO/IEC 27001: PECB MS
• ISO/IEC 27001 accreditation date: Available upon request
• What the ISO/IEC 27001 doesn’t cover: Palo Alto Network's overarching information security program is aligned to ISO 27001/2, and includes key controls from HIPAA, PCI and SOC2 we maintain certification against ISO 27001, ISO 27017, ISO 27018; ISO 27701To ensure high quality and reliability, our factory certifications do however include: ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2004, AS9100, TL 9000, ANSI ESD S20:20-2007, ISO 1384:2003. All products are UL and TUV certified and have undergone Electromagnetic emissions and immunity testing.
• ISO 28000:2007 certification: No
• CSA STAR certification: Yes
• CSA STAR accreditation date: Available upon request
• CSA STAR certification level: Level 1: CSA STAR Self-Assessment
• What the CSA STAR doesn’t cover: N/A
• PCI certification: No
• Cyber essentials: Yes
• Cyber essentials plus: Yes
• Other security certifications: Yes
• Any other security certifications: https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/trust-center/technical-certifications#

Security governance

• Named board-level person responsible for service security: Yes
• Security governance certified: Yes
• Security governance standards: ISO/IEC 27001
• Information security policies and processes: Palo Alto Networks has a formal Enterprise Risk Management program, which includes the performance of an annual risk assessment, with periodic updates, as applicable, to identify and assess key risks and their mitigation approaches. The scope of the program encompasses information security risks and product risks. Our security program consists of a risk-based approach that includes administrative, technical and physical safeguards reasonably designed to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of customer data. Palo Alto Network's information security program is aligned to ISO 27001/2, and includes key controls from HIPAA, PCI and SOC2.

Operational security

• Configuration and change management standard: Supplier-defined controls
• Configuration and change management approach: Both Palo Alto Networks and the end-user organisation are in full control of their relevant and respective change control processes.; Additional details are available upon request.
• Vulnerability management type: Supplier-defined controls
• Vulnerability management approach: Prisma Access vulnerability management process:; ; 1. Vulnerability Identification: Regular scanning and assessment to identify potential vulnerabilities.; ; 2. Vulnerability Assessment: Assessing vulnerabilities for severity and potential impact.; ; 3. Vulnerability Prioritisation: Assigning priority levels based on severity and impact.; ; 4. Mitigation Planning: Developing a plan to address vulnerabilities, such as applying patches or implementing security controls.; ; 5. Vulnerability Remediation: Executing the mitigation plan and coordinating with relevant teams.; ; 6. Monitoring and Reporting: Continuous monitoring and generating reports to track progress.; ; This systematic and proactive approach ensures effective identification, assessment, prioritization, and mitigation of vulnerabilities within the Prisma Access infrastructure.
• Protective monitoring type: Conforms to a recognised standard, for example CSA CCM v3.0 or SSAE-16 / ISAE 3402
• Protective monitoring approach: Security processes involve monitoring system activities, network traffic, and user behavior to detect potential incidents. This includes:; Event Collection: Gathering logs and events from various sources for analysis.; Log Analysis and Correlation: Identifying patterns and potential incidents from logs.; Threat Detection: Using advanced analytics and machine learning to detect threats.; Incident Response: Initiating a response process when an incident is detected.; Incident Investigation, Resolution: Investigating incidents to understand their scope and impact, and taking actions to resolve them.; Reporting, Improvement: Generating reports to enhance security controls, update policies, and improve overall security.
• Incident management type: Conforms to a recognised standard, for example, CSA CCM v3.0 or ISO/IEC 27035:2011 or SSAE-16 / ISAE 3402
• Incident management approach: This information is available upon request.

Secure development

• Approach to secure software development best practice: Supplier-defined process

Separation between users

• Virtualisation technology used to keep applications and users sharing the same infrastructure apart: Yes
• Who implements virtualisation: Supplier
• Virtualisation technologies used: Other
• Other virtualisation technology used: Amazon Web Services, Google Compute Platform
• How shared infrastructure is kept separate: Prisma Access ensures data isolation and separation between organizations sharing the same infrastructure through virtualization, segmentation, and strong access controls. It creates separate virtual instances for each organization, preventing data leakage or unauthorized access. Unique credentials and access rights are assigned to authorized users, ensuring organization-specific resource access. Advanced network traffic management and routing capabilities segregate and direct traffic to respective virtual instances, preventing cross-organization communication. Robust encryption protocols protect data in transit and within the shared infrastructure. By combining virtualization, access controls, traffic management, and encryption, Prisma Access maintains strict separation, safeguarding data and preserving confidentiality and integrity.

Energy efficiency

• Energy-efficient datacentres: Yes
• Description of energy efficient datacentres: Information available upon request.

Social Value

• Social Value:

  Social Value

  • Fighting climate change
  • Tackling economic inequality
  • Equal opportunity
  • Wellbeing

  Fighting climate change

  Softcat are dedicated to reducing our environmental impact and actively promoting sustainability. Our commitment to sustainability is a core aspect of our business strategy, driving us to innovate and lead in the creation of a more sustainable future for our company and the communities we serve. This commitment is embedded in our policies, operating procedures, and training programs.; ; We are proud to be the first FTSE 250 company to be awarded 5-star status in relation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. ; ; We aim to achieve a Carbon Net-Zero Value Circle by 2040 by prioritising renewable energy, reducing natural resource use, minimising waste, and safeguarding biodiversity in compliance with environmental legislation.; ; At Softcat, we have taken significant steps towards securing renewable energy across our organisation, reducing our scope 1 & 2 emissions. We had the target of using 100% Renewable Energy across all our locations by 2024. We successfully delivered against this target ~2 years early.; ; In May 2023 we took delivery of 15 electric vehicles, replacing all existing fossil-fuelled company cars used by employees for business means. The implementation of the EV pool fleet will see a saving of over 80 tons of CO2e per year. A huge impact on our Net Zero targets.

  Tackling economic inequality

  As a value-add reseller, Softcat outsources the products, services, and solutions through our extensive network of partners, to best suit the needs of our broad client base. We always consider and promote SMEs and local providers where appropriate, particularly for the products and services we offer via the G Cloud framework.; ; We remain dedicated to improving employability and educational awareness across schools, colleges, and universities to help break down the barriers to joining technology organisations.; ; We work collaboratively with many schools that are close in proximity to our offices, to ensure we are actively supporting the community as well as schools from lower socio-economic backgrounds. ; ; We visit the schools to talk about the IT sector and the roles in our organisation, as well as promoting work-experience opportunities during the summer. In particular, we actively encourage students from diverse backgrounds to engage in work experience to appreciate the roles available in our sector.; ; For ambitious school and college leavers, a Softcat Apprenticeship is a great first step into the world of work, with 94% of our apprentices offered a permanent position at Softcat post apprenticeships, which goes to show the amazing opportunity available with us.; ; We were ranked 1st in IT & Consultancy, and 10th overall in by RateMyApprenticeship.com - Best 100 Apprenticeship Employers 2023-2024 list.; ; Softcat now also offer 12 month paid internships to University students looking to complete a year in industry as part of their undergraduate studies.

  Equal opportunity

  Our approach to diversity and inclusion is introduced first during our induction training, as part of our Softcat values, outlining responsibility to uphold our principles. This message is reinforced by our process and policies, networks, Allyship Training and Inclusion Awareness campaigns.; ; Softcat supports diversity and inclusion through various networks including:; - Supporting Women in Business (SWIB); - The Ethnic and Cultural Network; - The Pride Network; - The Family Network; - The Empowering Disability and Neurodiversity Network (EDN); - The Faith at Work Network; - Armed Forces & Veterans Network; These networks aim to create a supportive and inclusive work environment for all employees, regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or family commitments.; ; Our allyship programme, Stronger Together, is a mixture of event and workshop-based training available to all staff. Programme topics include, bias, power, privilege, and being a greater ally. ; ; Inclusion Awareness campaigns include race, disability, sexual orientation, gender, faith, and caring responsibilities. These sessions highlight and celebrate minority groups, through panel sessions, Q&A sessions and training, providing an opportunity to discuss and understand ways to be more inclusive. ; ; Our efforts to improve diversity and inclusion have been incredibly successful. Since 2020, the number of female employees below management level has increased to 35%, and the number of ethnic minority employees rose to 17%.

  Wellbeing

  At Softcat, all employees are provided with access to our multidimensional wellbeing programme which includes flexible work arrangements, free nutritious breakfast, mental health support, employee benefits scheme, health and wellbeing week activities, and online workshops.; ; Giving back to the community is an innate part of who we are as a company. All Softcat employees are therefore given two volunteer days per year to support a charitable or community cause. ; ; Each of our 10 regional offices also support local charities through fundraising, donations and events. For example, our Manchester office has raised over £30,000 for the WeLoveMCR charity. This funding has supported young, disadvantaged Manchester citizens in gaining qualifications to broaden their work opportunities and supporting local groups in delivering indispensable services that enable community cohesion.

Pricing

• Price: £90 a unit
• Discount for educational organisations: No
• Free trial available: No

Service documents

• Pricing document

  ODS

• Service definition document

  PDF

• Terms and conditions

  PDF

Request an accessible format

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need versions of these documents in a more accessible format, email the supplier at psitq@softcat.com. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.