UK Digital Identity Hub

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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:
• Name
• Date of birth
• Document type (e.g., Irish Passport) which must also detail nationality
• Photograph
• Document expiry date
• Last 4 characters of the document number
• 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:

• Employee’s name
• Employee’s right to work status
• Restrictions (where appliable)
• A photograph of the employee
• The date the check was conducted

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.

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.

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

The Home Office advise that the employer must satisfy themselves that the photograph and biographic details (for example, date of birth) verified via the digital identity check 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.

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.