As the National Identity Service (NIS) moves from procurement to delivery the needs for assurance, oversight, scrutiny and advice are changing.

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.

The Public Panels will provide an opportunity for IPS to have a conversation with the public and listen to the concerns and views of people in relation to identity cards.

The Experts Group will provide an independent perspective to inform the development of the NIS.

Independent experts will:

• Provide clarity where there may be ambiguity and will help the Public Panel understand the detail
• Challenge the thought process through the review and analysis of policies and process
• Provide alternative solutions through reasoned opinions
• Provide a credible and independent view that will serve to enhance and strengthen our direction
• Provide an opportunity for experts across disciplines to share knowledge and further their understanding

How the Experts Group will work

The Experts Group will consist of three distinct strands: Science & Technology; NIS Delivery; and Rights, Responsibilities and Safeguards. Each strand will consist of around six members, will have its own chair and will meet three to four times per year.

The Experts Group strands will also come together once a year or whenever a wider and shared perspective is required. The meetings will mainly take place in London, but there may be some travel across the UK in support of the Public Panel. 

The independent Convenor, Peter Whittle, will lead and coordinate the work of the Experts Group. Working closely with the chairs of the strands the Convenor will:

• Ensure sound and concise advice is made available to IPS
• Direct expertise in support of the Public Panel
• Work with IPS to shape and prepare topics for discussion
• Take a strategic view about where expertise could be most useful
• Shape and manage the programme of work
• Manage an online forum for discussion by Experts Group members

The Convenor and the Expert Members will have the support of IPS officials, who will provide regular information; listen to the ideas; act upon those ideas where practicable; and provide the administration and facilities for experts to meet.

Who is eligible to join the Experts Group?

IPS is looking to attract a broad range of expertise and is particularly interested in hearing the views of those with a background in: ethics; privacy; human rights; biometrics; data security; system integration; market delivery and large scale implementation.

The Convenor and Experts are appointed through an auditable and transparent process. The Convenor, Peter Whittle, was recruited through the Whitehall Industry Group. His work attracts a fee. Mr Whittle has proven skills in communication and influencing and experience engaging with senior executives in the private and public sector.

The Experts Group members will not receive remuneration but will be refunded reasonable expenses for attending meetings.

The Experts will have significant experience in their field of expertise, will be comfortable and confident in presenting challenge and review and will be able to translate technical detail and convey understanding to the public.

What we want from you

IPS would like Experts to be willing to give their time and be committed to preparing for and attending meetings. IPS will be flexible and reasonable in how much time we ask experts to provide.

IPS will appoint Experts for a period of two years, after which they may be reappointed for a further period. IPS will publish your name, a short biography, and describe you as an Independent Advisor to IPS.  

IPS will expect Experts to:

• Share knowledge
• Think creatively
• Provide reasoned opinion
• Be able to compile evidence
• Work collaboratively on solutions
• Explain technical points in plain language

How to Apply

If you are interested in becoming an IPS Independent Expert Advisor, please download the forms below.

For information, email us at: expertsgroup@ips.gsi.gov.uk