On December 27, 2021, the government announced plans to make it easier to use certified digital identity service providers, known as IDSPs by employers and landlords for conducting identity checks. The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is already using the system to allow people who are applying for a criminal records check to verify their identity online rather than having to show physical copies of their documents to their employers.
Who Needs Identity Checks?
Legislation in the UK puts the onus on employers and landlords to make sure that the people they are giving jobs to, or renting property to, are in the UK legally and have the right to work here too. The only way of doing this is by running checks on their identity, which usually involves seeing their passport, checking any visa conditions or restrictions on work noted on their passport, and making sure their appearance matches the image of the passport holder. If this process has to be done in person, it can be time-consuming for both the person applying for the job or house, and staff. The idea behind online identity verification is to streamline this process and use technology to verify documents and check identities using biometrics.
What is an IDSP?
As part of this move towards identity verification online, the government allows organisations to ask to be verified as an IDSP. Only companies which have proved that their systems and processes are reliable and secure enough to meet the government criteria can apply to be give the IDSP status. Employers and landlords who want to use online verification for identity checking can choose which of the many accredited IDSPs they wish to use. All must meet the same minimum standards, and must keep up to date with any new requirements and legislation in order to keep their status as a IDSP.
Dealing With a IDSP For Identity Checking
When you start the process for identity checking as part of a Right to Work check for a new job, or in order to take the tenancy on a new property, you will be guided as to how you should complete the identity verification. Some smaller organisations might still want to run paper, in person checks, and the law still allows them to choose this method if they wish to do so. If they have gone down the digital route, then the landlord or employer will direct you to the IDSP which they have chosen to use, and you can follow their process.
Verifying your identity online will involve uploading images of key documents such as your passport or driving licence, which can raise concerns about security. All IDSPs which are accredited by the Home Office have to meet standards on security and data protection, so breaches and theft of your data should not be a concern. If you have any questions about the process and why you are being asked for certain documents, speak to your landlord or employer, who should be happy to explain what is going on.
