UK Government Launches Independent Advisory Board for Digital ID Programme

The Cabinet Office has created an advisory board to oversee the UK Digital ID programme. The board will meet quarterly for the programme’s life and will challenge policy proposals to ensure inclusivity, security and trust. A People’s Panel of 100-120 citizens meets in Birmingham and via Zoom, receiving £550 vouchers, to provide input.

The Register UK

Current public services rely on call-centres, paper forms and repeated identity checks. In October 2025 the prime minister announced a modern digital identity as the foundation for faster, simpler access to government services, making Digital ID a central reform.

Business and civil society leaders brought together to help build digital ID system that works for the public

Members are IoT security specialist David Rogers (Copper Horse), Mumsnet founder Justine Roberts, former NSW digital minister Victor Dominello, former Pearson chief John Fallon, STEM advocate Anne-Marie Imafidon and lawyer Emma Wright. Darren Jones convened the group, which will also work with Under-Secretary James Frith.

The Register UK

Darren Jones said the legacy system is inadequate and called for a modern digital foundation. James Frith stressed that Digital ID must be useful, inclusive and trusted. Industry leaders highlighted the need for private-sector expertise and welcomed regular dialogue with verification services. Mumsnet users dismissed the plan as “desperate” and questioned its authority, while critics warned that security flaws in New South Wales’ Service NSW app could erode confidence if vulnerabilities persist.

Business and civil society leaders brought together to help build digital ID system that works for the public

The government will hold a discussion with Minister James Frith later this month to set technical standards for interoperability and security. A technical working group of verification and financial-services representatives will be formed, and the People’s Panel will keep feeding recommendations into the programme.

Business and civil society leaders brought together to help build digital ID system that works for the public

• “In its place, we need to build a truly modern UK where public services work for you, with digital ID as the foundation.” — Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister

Business and civil society leaders brought together to help build digital ID system that works for the public

• “That is why we’re working with industry, civil society and others to get this right.” — James Frith, Parliamentary Under-Secretary

Business and civil society leaders brought together to help build digital ID system that works for the public

• “Julian David OBE, CEO of techUK said: To support a thriving Digital ID ecosystem, it is essential that the expertise and insight from the private sector is at the heart of the Digital ID programme.” — Julian David OBE, CEO of techUK

Business and civil society leaders brought together to help build digital ID system that works for the public

• “David Crack, Chairperson of the Association of Digital Verification Professionals said: We welcome the Government’s commitment to regular engagement with the Digital Verification Services sector and look forward to hearing more detail about how this engagement will be structured and delivered.” — David Crack, Chairperson, Association of Digital Verification Professionals

Business and civil society leaders brought together to help build digital ID system that works for the public