The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has named the Post Office and Yoti, working as partners, as the first certified digital identity service provider (DISP) for checks within a new trust framework for government services.
It has updated its guidance on the plans for digital identity certification for right to work, right to rent and criminal records checks, naming the two as certified organisations.
This follows indications at the turn of the year that the Home Office and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) would be allowed to use service providers for the relevant services.
The Post Office and Yoti – a specialist in digital identities – said they will make it possible for employers to check an individual’s right to work in the UK through identity verification on the web, a re-usable digital identity app, and in-person verification at Post Office branches.
They added that their services can be integrated into businesses’ digital platforms and that people will be able to use their Post Office EasyID and Yoti digital ID apps as a fast way to prove their right to work. The apps enable individuals to securely share a verified image of their passport with an employer.
Security and speed
Elinor Hull, identity services director at the Post Office, said: “At a time when the hospitality and retail sectors in particular are struggling to recruit and get staff onto the shop floor, having the ability to digitally check candidates’ right to work speeds up the recruitment process, is more secure and could enable them to start sooner than if the candidate has to travel and then have their documents photocopied and physically checked.”
The guidance on the trust framework is currently in its alpha phase with a beta version, against which new IDSPs will have to be certified, scheduled for publication during the summer.
The current version says it will not be mandatory for employers and landlords to use a certified IDSP but the Home Office recommends they do so. Relevant employers will be required to use one for DBS checks.
The trust framework is being developed in line with the Government Digital Service programme to develop a digital identity check app and a One Log-in for Government service. In March DCMS outlined plans to set up an Office for Digital Identities.
