This Implementation Guide is aimed at practitioners involved in the design, implementation, and expansion of social protection systems and programmes at the country level, especially regarding non-contributory schemes (also referred to as ‘social assistance’). These include national and local government partners, policymakers, social protection authorities and ministries, managers of social protection programmes, social workers and other professionals responsible for implementing programmes, civil society organisations, donors and the private sector. It is equally intended for the managers and programme staff of development and humanitarian agencies supporting local authorities in the implementation of their social protection systems and programmes, particularly those in charge of advising on and applying data protection and privacy standards. Finally, it also provides useful information for any individual, household or family participating in social protection programmes as applicants/ registrants or recipie