Have your say

Independent scrutiny is vital to the success of the National Identity Service (NIS). That is why IPS is setting up a Public Panel. 

The aim is to listen to people's views and understand what it is that the public wants and expects from the NIS and identity cards. The Public Panel will contribute to future decisions, both practical and policy, relating to the NIS. It should reassure the public that IPS and the NIS are working for the benefit of everyone.

A new regulatory framework has seen the appointment of the first Identity Commissioner who will have oversight of the NIS and report annually to the Home Secretary and to Parliament. Visit the Identity Commissioner's website here. IPS is also setting up an Experts Group to provide independent expertise to inform the development of the NIS. Find out more about the Experts Group here.

To see answers to frequently asked questions on the Public Panel, click here.

Why you should get involved

Over the next few years as people get the new biometric passport or apply for an identity card, their details will be held on the National Identity Register (NIR) within the National Identity Service.

By joining a Public Panel, you can help make sure that:

• the public understands how the NIR, NIS and identity cards work
• identity cards bring the benefits that matter in daily life
• people and businesses can get better protection against identity fraud
• you are satisfied with the way that people's identity information is held

How Public Panel will work

The Public Panel will be six regional groups, each made up of at least 11 members and will meet for half a day up to three times a year. The first two groups have met in the North and South of England. Groups in the Midlands, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, will follow. Each group will have an important function in its independent scrutiny of the NIS.

For its part, IPS is committed to making sure that the way it works is completely transparent and that people, businesses and the Government know their rights and responsibilitiess. A key output of the Public Panel in their first year will be to help shape a new Identity Rights Charter.

IPS will be ready to see different perspectives, explore concerns and practical ideas; and be open to challenges and ready to answer questions raised by the Public Panels. IPS will also provide guidance and support from an independent group of experts in various fields, including science, technology and human rights. These experts will be available to guide the Panel if they need help identifying and understanding relevant issues and promoting their views or recommendations.

Who is eligible to join a Public Panel?

A member of a Public Panel will:

• be an effective communicator and committed to listening to others' views
• be aged 16 and above - and be legally resident in the UK
• live, work or study in the respective region
• be independent of IPS and the Home Office and be able to attend up to three meetings over an 18-month period

Chairs will:

• demonstrate leadership skills
• be independent of IPS and the Home Office

Both Members and Chairs will:

• prepare for meetings by reading papers beforehand
• have strong personal commitment to integrity and probity
• think and act in the best interests of the public and the Panel
• be refunded their reasonable expenses of attending meetings

What we want from you

Are you interested in joining a public panel? We want you to be willing to give your time and be committed to preparing for and attending the meetings. We would like you to join if you:

• are eligible (see above)
• work well as part of a team
• respect other people's views
• are not an elected official
• have no links or commercial interests in IPS or the Home Office
  

Join a conversation about the National Identity Service

We have recruited Public Panel members for the first two regional groups in the North and South of England. Their first meetings took place in October 2009 and the Panels are due to meet again in late January 2010. The minutes of the meeting will be published on this site in due course. If you would like to raise an issue or a question for the Public Panel to discuss please email us at publicpanel@ips.gsi.gov.uk or phone us on 020 3356 8174.