How is Sterling working with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and UK Government to prepare for Digital Identity Verification?

Sterling has been engaged with the DBS, as well as the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), to prepare and provide feedback regarding their plans to introduce Digital Identity Verification. Sterling will continue to engage with the DBS over the coming months to optimise our positioning to deliver a comprehensive range of identity verification solutions to our customers.

When will Digital Identity be introduced for DBS checks?

DBS Digital Identity Verification will enter the beta test phase beginning Wednesday, April 6, 2022.

Can employers use the Digital Identity process for UK Right to Work checks?

Yes, beginning Wednesday, April 6, 2022, employers will have the option use a certified Identity Service Provider (IDSP) to verify identity digitally. From Saturday, October 1, 2022, employers can fulfil the statutory excuse either by checking documents in person or by using a certified IDSP.

How will Sterling, as a certified IDSP, support the fulfilment of Digital Identity to prove the candidate’s right to work in the UK?

Sterling will conduct 2 checks: 1. Obtain evidence of the candidate’s identity, check document validity, and confirm the document belongs to the person who is claiming the identity. 2. Verify eligibility for right to work by confirming that the candidate holds the required document to evidence their right to work in the UK, or request that they provide a share code so that Sterling can verify their right to work status online.

Do employers also need to check the Right to Work documents?

No, if the candidate provides a UK or Irish Passport, an Irish Passport Card, or a share code so that Sterling can check their Right to Work status online, the client does not need to check the documents. However, if a candidate provides a birth certificate or a national insurance number document (i.e., a document that cannot be verified online), the client needs to ensure that the document is checked against current Home Office guidelines.

Does the employer need to check that the image provided to the IDSP matches their candidate?

Yes, in accordance with the Employer’s Guide to Right to Work Checks, the employer must confirm, either face to face or via video call, that the image provided to the IDSP is a true likeness of their candidate.

Who is responsible for establishing a statutory excuse against liability for a penalty?

All employers in the UK have a responsibility to prevent illegal working. The employer needs to ensure they select a certified IDSP to complete Digital Identity Verification to the Level of Confidence required. Employers will obtain a statutory excuse where they can demonstrate that they have used a certified IDSP.

Will Sterling report a Right to Work status that has a time limit?

Yes, if a candidate has any restrictions on their Right to Work status, including a time limit, this will be reported on the background screening report.

Does the employer need to keep copies of the documents that were checked?

In accordance with employers guide from the UK Government, the employer will need to store the following employee information securely in electronic or hard copy format for the duration of employment and for two years afterwards: • Full name • Date of birth • Image of the identity document’s biometric page • Captured photograph/image that matches the employee • Identity verification confirmation • IDSP name (e.g., Sterling) • Date of the check"

What information will Sterling report to the employer?

Where applicable, Sterling will include the following information along with the background screening report: • All names provided by the employee • Date of birth • Image of the identity document’s biometric page • Confirmation that the following information was checked and verified for the identity document: o Name o Date of birth o Document type (e.g., Irish Passport) which must also detail nationality o Photograph o Document expiry date o Last 4 characters of the document number o The document appears genuine with no inconsistencies • The live in-session selfie image and that it has matched the photo ID provided • Confirmation that the identity has been verified • Confirmation that the correct document was provided to evidence the employee’s right to work in the UK • The date of the check • Level of confidence achieved, e.g. medium or high If the employee provides a share code, Sterling will check the right to work status using the Home Office online service and will share a copy of the profile page along with the background screening report. The profile page will include: o Employee’s name o Employee’s right to work status o Restrictions (where appliable) o A photograph of the employee o The date the check was conducted

Are there any changes to the acceptable document list that proves a candidate’s right to work in the UK?

Yes, starting April 6, 2022, Biometric Residence Permit, Biometric Residence Card, and Frontier Worker Permit holders will only be able to evidence their right to work in the UK using the Home Office online service. Employers will no longer be able to accept physical cards for the purposes of a right to work check even if it is valid and not expired.

How will Sterling as a certified IDSP, support the fulfilment of Digital Identity to verify a candidate’s identity for DBS Disclosure applications?

Sterling will obtain the attributes required to carry out digital identity verification to the Level of Confidence required (i.e., Medium Level of Confidence for a Basic Disclosure). If the candidate provides attributes that do not meet the requirements, Sterling will reach out and try to obtain additional attributes and/or documents to help the candidate meet the DBS required level of confidence.

How will Digital Identity benefit employers who order DBS Services?

The Digital Identity Verification for DBS applications will remove the need for employers to check ID, simplify the process and decrease turnaround times.

Once Digital Identity has been introduced, does the imposter check for RTW need to be done in person or virtually?

The Home Office advise that the employer must satisfy themselves that the photograph and biographic details (for example, date of birth) verified through Digital Identity checks online are consistent with the individual presenting themselves for work, but it is up to the employer to decide whether to do this check in person or virtually/online.

Does Sterling charge candidates for identity services?

Sterling does not typically charge candidates for our background screening or identity services. In instances where payment is required from candidates for a service, candidates will be made aware up front before commencing the background screening check.

Identity Verification

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Verify Identity Before Starting a Background Check

Background checks are a vital part of the hiring process, but they are dependent on candidates providing accurate and complete identity information. Whether accidentally or intentionally, candidates sometimes provide inaccurate identity information. This makes verifying candidate-provided data an essential first step in the hiring process to protect your business.

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Identity is Essential to Protect Your Business

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Inaccurate Candidate Data

Having confirmation of identity data is critical before doing background checks.

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Identity theft cases have increased 3x in the past decade¹ – highlighting the need to verify your candidates are truly who they claim to be.

Remote/Hybrid Workforce Trends

Approximately 50% of the total global workforce is remote or hybrid and adding identity to background screening provides increased confidence.²

1 Identity Theft Statistics from the Federal Trade Commission, 2022-2023. 2 Omdia's Future of Work Report, 2023

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Before a background check, First Advantage makes it easy for candidates to prove who they say they are. We’ve partnered with industry-leading digital identity providers – Yoti (Internationally) and ID.me (US) – to create an identity verification offering that easily integrates into your screening program. Verifying candidate data helps confirm the accuracy of details provided for the search, reduces delays due to misinformation, and streamlines the candidate experience.

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Verifying identity first improves data collection and provides more accurate screening results.

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From simple identity verification options all the way to NIST 800-63-3/IAL2 proofing standards, First Advantage offers an extensive suite of identity methods that helps verify identity quickly and thoroughly by customising to fit your unique business needs and requirements.

Self Service (Most Common, Fastest)
Biographic Data Verification	ID Document Verification
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Alternative Methods (Less Common)
Live Video Chat	In-Person Verificaiton

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