Editorial

DBS reveals details of new digital identity checks

UK government says employers and landlords can use certified Identification Document Validation Technology (IDVT) service providers to carry out digital identity checks on their behalf

Posted 4 January 2022 by Christine Horton


The Home Office and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has revealed more details about the rollout of new digital identity checks for users.

Think Digital Partners first reported that the DBS was to be the first government organisation to employ the initial iteration of the new government-wide login system in 2022.

“We’ve been working closely with the DBS team with regular collaboration and joint working across design, user research and technology to make sure this service will work and be live by the end of March 2022,” said Natalie Jones, director for digital identity at the Government Digital Service (GDS).

The government’s UK Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework was initially launched in February 2021 as a prototype. It has since undergone two rounds of public consultation. The next stage is due to begin in early 2022, ahead of being formalised in legislation.

Now, the Home Office says employers and landlords can use certified Identification Document Validation Technology (IDVT) service providers to carry out digital identity checks on their behalf for many who are not in scope to use the Home Office online services, including British and Irish citizens.

The changes to legislation will take effect from April 6, 2022.

This will align with DBS’ proposal to enable digital identity checking within their pre-employment checking process, through the introduction of its Identity Trust Scheme.

The government believes that the introduction of digital identity checking into the Schemes will mean employers can assure prospective employees’ identities, using consistent and more secure methods, reducing risk and allowing them to recruit in a safer way.

Reducing time and mitigating risk

The goal of IDVT is that people can upload images of their personal documents, instead of presenting physical documents to a prospective employer, reducing time and mitigating risk. Private sector IDVT service providers can become independently certified by UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) accredited assessors to ensure the technology meets the Government Standards and the applicant’s data is protected.

“Enabling the use of IDVT for right to work, right to rent and DBS checks will help to support long-term post pandemic working practices, accelerate the recruitment and onboarding process, improve employee mobility and enhance the security and integrity of the checks,” said the government.

“The technology utilised across the identity process removes human error in terms of identifying fraudulent documents or inaccuracies and will support the Home Office, DBS and DCMS in driving improvements through their delivery partners.”

The UK Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework will open this month for providers to begin the certification process. IDVT service providers will need to become certified against the trust framework rules, alongside any requirements specific to the particular Schemes. The timing and alignment of the Right to Work, Right to Rent, and DBS Scheme changes ensures providers can undertake a single certification for these checks from the outset.