Digital Identity Checks are finally on their way
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) recently announced that they would be incorporating identity verification technology (IDVT) into their services. The introduction of this technology is part of UK Government’s wider roll-out of digital identity across all government services.
In a policy paper released in December, it was announced that from April 2022, employers and landlords will be able to use accredited IDVT to confirm the identity of employees and tenants.
The introduction of digital identity is a huge issue facing the UK economy. As society becomes increasingly digital, remote and hybrid working options are becoming far more common. This means that having to prove your identity using physical documents is fast becoming outdated.
What is digital identity?
There is a lot of confusion about what digital identity is but it’s a straightforward concept. In the simplest of terms, digital identity is a way for people to confirm and share their personal information using digital technology.
The primary reason for the introduction of digital identity is to enable easier interaction with government services. However, digital identity can also be used for day-to-day interactions, such as proving your age.
Digital ID company, Yoti, recently partnered with the Post Office to allow in-person ID verification using their app. Using this app, individuals who register can use their digital ID in over 30,000 Post Offices, Payzone stores and convenience stores across the UK.
The UK currently lags behind many other countries in Europe. In Estonia, for example, citizens can access 98% of government services using their digital ID. They can even vote digitally using their eID.
What is digital identity verification?
Digital identity verification is simply the act of checking someone is who they say they are digitally. Rather than having to check physical documents you would use some kind of technology to confirm someone's identity instead.
As the world becomes more focused on remote and hybrid working, this is a real benefit for employers.
Throughout the pandemic, employers have been able to confirm people’s identity remotely. Feedback from businesses is that being able to do this has significantly helped to streamline recruitment processes.
The announcement from the government is another step towards their ‘digital identity trust framework.’ Under this framework, the Government intends to introduce technology that will allow people to submit images of their documents and have them verified digitally. This will allow people:
to verify their identity remotely
prove their eligibility to work or rent and
The trust framework allows private sector IDVT service providers to become independently certified by UK Accreditation Service (UKAS). Accredited assessors will have to ensure any technology meets the Government Standards before being certified. Third-party providers have been allowed to apply for accreditation from this month.
What does this mean?
At the moment, nothing has changed. Employers and landlords will still need to continue to carry out the necessary checks as per current guidance. However, this is a promising first step. It means that the government has listened to the numerous industry reps that have been campaigning for more to be done about digital identity services.
For the UK to thrive in the future, digital identity is an essential thing that we need to get right. This issue is going to be developing over the course of the year and we’ll be following it closely. We’ll be sure to keep our blog up-to-date with more information as it becomes available.
Make sure to sign up to our mailing list to ensure you’re the first to know about this!
If you need more information about how Personnel Checks can support your HR team, get in touch! You can give us a call on 01254 355688 or drop us an email to letstalk@personnelchecks.co.uk and we’ll be more than happy to talk through the best solution for you!