Why Dad In A Shed Supplies iPads via a Managed MDM Service
To comply with Apple’s licensing terms and to ensure that NHS clinics and other clients receive a robust, secure and flexible device management solution, Dad In A Shed provides iPads and iOS devices pre-configured and enrolled via a Mobile Device Management (MDM) service.
Legal Compliance with Apple’s Terms
Apple’s Media Services Terms and Conditions (UK version) prohibit the use of individual Apple IDs for app deployment on business-supplied devices. This is clearly stated under:
Section 2B. Apple IDs and Accounts:
“You may not share your Apple ID or account details with anyone else, and you are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality and security of your account and for all activities that occur on or through your account.”
Source: Apple Legal Terms UK
This clause, along with Apple’s Apple Business Manager and Volume Purchase Programme frameworks, makes it clear that business-supplied iOS devices must not rely on personal Apple IDs. Instead, apps must be distributed through an MDM-enrolled process using organisational credentials and appropriate licensing.
Apple is now actively enforcing these terms using automated detection systems. Accounts identified as being used outside the permitted terms – such as shared logins on multiple institutional devices – are increasingly being flagged and deleted without warning. Once deleted, any paid-for apps, subscriptions or data associated with that account are permanently lost. This poses a serious risk to service continuity and asset value when devices rely on non-compliant, individually created Apple IDs.
Devices enrolled via MDM are monitored only for operational and security purposes and are managed in line with UK GDPR and NHS Digital’s Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT). This ensures alignment with NHS-wide expectations for data handling, audit, and governance.
We do not access personal data, app content, messages, browsing history or location unless explicitly configured and permitted under policy (e.g. lost device recovery).
We can see technical information such as device name, model, iOS version, installed apps, and compliance status. All management actions are limited to the organisation-owned device, not the user’s personal information. This approach ensures transparency, minimises data collection, and protects user privacy at all times.
Why MDM Is Essential
MDM (Mobile Device Management) allows us to configure, secure and support devices remotely and efficiently. Key benefits include:
- No Personal Apple IDs Needed Devices are configured using Apple Business Manager and MDM profiles – fully separating personal accounts from institutional use.
- Remote App Deployment & Updates Apps can be installed, updated, or removed remotely without staff needing to manage the process.
- Consistent Configuration Across Devices All iPads are set up identically, ensuring reliability, consistency, and ease of use in clinical or staff environments.
- Lost Device Management Devices can be remotely locked, wiped, or located – reducing risk from loss or theft.
- Simplified Maintenance Troubleshooting and support can be carried out remotely, reducing downtime and site visits.
- Licence Management Apps can be centrally licensed and reassigned to other devices when no longer needed – ensuring value for money.
- Security & Compliance Enforced policies (e.g. passcodes, app restrictions, data encryption) help meet NHS and data protection requirements.
- Scalability as new devices can be shipped and set up ready for use out of the box, reducing admin time and local setup overhead.
Providing iPads without MDM would breach Apple’s terms, increase manual workload, reduce security, and compromise the consistency of support. The additional cost of the MDM service reflects the legal, operational and security benefits it brings. This is a necessary and responsible approach that supports both compliance and service quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can users still install apps?
Yes, by default, our device profile allows users to sign in with their own Apple ID and install apps from the App Store, in line with local NHS policy. However, the core app(s) supplied by Dad In A Shed via MDM cannot be deleted from the device. This ensures that essential clinical tools remain available at all times, regardless of other app use.
Will MDM slow the device down?
No, MDM operates in the background and does not affect performance.
Do I need to do anything to set it up?
No, devices arrive fully configured and ready for use out of the box. The only thing you will need to do is connect the device to your WiFi to receive updates, they are pushed to devices periodically, and your device will receive the update the next time it is connected to WiFi after an update is pushed.
Is support included with our iPad bundle?
Yes. Our unlimited telephone and email support for iPad bundles is still in operation. Whether you need help with setup, app issues, or general device management, our team is available to support your clinic or service whenever required. There’s no cap on the number of support requests, we’re here to ensure everything runs smoothly.
What happens to our iPad at the end of the MDM enrolment?
When the 4-year MDM subscription ends, the iPad becomes unmanaged. You will no longer receive remote app updates, and we will no longer be able to change settings or enforce security policies. Any apps provided via MDM, including clinical tools will be removed or stop working when the iPad is unenrolled from MDM. The iPad itself will still work, and personal apps remain, but it will no longer benefit from central management or support. To maintain full functionality, we recommend renewing the MDM subscription before it expires or pulling the app purchased back in to your pool of apps to be redeployed to another of your devices under MDM.