Frequently asked questions

Information about the Public Panel, how it will work and how to apply is in our leaflet 'Join a conversation about the National Identity Service'. Download the leaflet here.

What is the National Identity Service?

The National Identity Service is made up of the National Identity Register (NIR), biometric passports and identity cards, and replaces the need for a variety of documents to prove your identity with one card and introduces a range of new services too.  Both passports and identity cards will include biometrics of your unique physical features (face and fingerprints), securing them to your biographic details (including your name, address, and date of birth). These will be held separately and securely on the NIR.

How will you select Panel Members?

We will randomly select who we will interview from everyone that applies and who meet the minimum requirements. We will then complete an informal interview with those who have been randomly selected.  We aim to have panels made up of a diverse group of people with a range of views.  

When are the informal interviews being held?

The interviews are being held in Glasgow between 8^th February 2010 and 12^th February 2010.

What will the informal interview be like?

We will take the opportunity to ask you some questions and to have a chat with you.  We aim to make this as informal, friendly and informative as we can. Please do not forget to bring photo ID such as a passport or driving licence with you when you attend your informal interview.

What is the next stage after the informal interview?

IPS will contact all interviewees. If you are successful you will be invited to attend the meeting which will take place on 9^th March 2010 in Glasgow (the location along with directions will be forwarded to panel members nearer the time). 

Should you not be selected for the panel you may be offered the opportunity for your details to be retained on a reserve list, so should a place become available on your chosen panel we could contact you.

How many people will be on each panel?

There will be at least 11 people on each panel including the Chairperson.

What will the Panel talk about?

Identity and Passport Service want to have a conversation with the public so that the views, reactions and concerns of the public can inform what we do.  You will have the opportunity to influence policy, challenge what we do, come up with new ideas, ask questions and get answers.

Will all the various regional panels meet together?

No, however, the minutes from all the panel meetings will be shared with all the other regional panels and their members.

Will I be able to communicate with the other panels?

Yes, we are currently exploring the idea of a web forum, and hope to have this set up in the near future.

What are the Experts Group and how will the assist the Public Panel?

The experts group will provide the panel with independent views. Their expertise will be in the following fields, social science (e.g. sociology and behavioural psychology), in the rights and protection of individuals (e.g. ethics, human rights and privacy), in technical areas.

Can anyone become a Panel member?

Each panel will be made up of people with a broad range of views.  You don't need higher education or any particular expertise.  You do need to be 16 or over, legally entitled to live in the UK and willing to give your time. The frequency of the meetings will be determined by the panel, however, it is likely to meet for half a day for up to 3 times a year.

What do I need to be able to do as a Panel member?

As a panel member you will need to be able to:

·        Listen to and consider facts and expert evidence

·        Listen to and respect the views of other panel members

·        Be willing to talk about your opinions

How long will I be on a Panel?

Panel members will remain on the panel for a minimum 18 month period.

Will I be paid?

No, we ask you to give your time for free.  We will refund your reasonable expenses for attending panel meetings. 

What are 'reasonable expenses'?

Examples include the cost of public transport, a mileage rate if you travel by car to a meeting or for covering childcare and carer costs so you can attend meetings. However, please note we will only cover the cost of standard class travel (not First Class) and expect all panel members to seek the most economic method of transport.

If I have difficulty with hearing, vision or mobility, will assistance be available?

Yes we will provide documents in various formats including Braille or Easy Read and will also provide a signer if requested.

What is this about?  "... have no links with us or the Home Office... do not have a commercial interest in IPS or the Home Office"

It is about any conflict of interest that you know about already (or that might arise while you are on the Panel) which might influence your views or damage the reputation of your Panel and its work.  Should you require any further assistance or advice on this please email us at publicpanel@ips.gov.uk

Will you check that I am who I claim to be?

Yes.  We will ask you to bring to photo ID such as a passport or driving licence if you are invited to attend an informal interview.  

What if I have a criminal record?

We will ask you to tell us if you have an unspent conviction for a serious offence.  For example if you have been convicted of identity fraud, it could damage the reputation of your Panel and its work.

What happens to my personal identity information?

We will keep it until all six Panels have been appointed.  Then we will hold on to information about the panel members and about a reserve list only.  All other information will be destroyed.

Contact us

Should you have any further questions or require any assistance please contact the Public Involvement Team on 020 3356 8174 or email us at publicpanel@ips.gsi.gov.uk.  Please note this telephone number and email address should only be used for questions regarding the public panels. 

Should you require assistance regarding any other matter, most of the information you will need is on our Directgov website (www.direct.gov.uk), but if you need to call us, here are some numbers:

For passport advice every day of the week between 7.00am and 11.00pm, call 0300 222 0000. (Calls to 0300 numbers are charged at your network provider's standard national rate).

For advice on birth, marriage and death certificates, the General Register Office's main telephone advice number is 0845 603 7788, Monday to Friday 8.00 am - 8.00 pm, or Saturday 9.00 am - 4.00 pm.