Morning, Monday, 17th November 2025
Online
This conference will consider next steps for digital identities and verification services in the UK following the Government’s announcement of plans to introduce a new digital ID scheme by the end of this Parliament.
The agenda includes a focus on practical challenges for delivering new digital credentials and the initial rollout of the new digital ID scheme, with the Government announcing that the Cabinet Office has overall responsibility of the scheme, working alongside DSIT who are responsible for technical design. Areas for discussion include progress of the GOV.UK Wallet and wider direction of national digital identity policy, and how to address concerns from some surrounding privacy and increased bureaucracy, ahead of Government’s planned consultation due to be launched by the end of the year with aims to ensure the system is secure, trusted and inclusive.
The conference will also bring together key stakeholders and policymakers to examine the phased implementation of the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 and issues around regulatory alignment and enforcement powers. Areas for discussion include market structure, the role of government Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework-certified providers in provision, and public trust in digital verification services, particularly in light of scrutiny around data protection, security standards, and the use of new verification technologies.
Implementation, governance & funding
Delegates will consider issues around the rollout of the UK’s new digital ID scheme and whether its aims to improve access to government services and tackle illegal working through proposals to make digital ID mandatory for Right to Work checks can be met.
The potential inclusion of 13-16 year-olds in the scheme will also be discussed, with the Government confirming this will be considered in the upcoming consultation. The initial progress in delivering the GOV.UK Wallet will further be considered, alongside plans for a Veteran Card and digital driver’s licence to be available later this year.
The Home Affairs Committee inquiry into potential new digital forms of identification will also be considered, with delegates assessing potential benefits and application for reducing crime and managing migration, as well as wider civil liberties concerns.
There will be further discussion on new rules for transparency and data sharing, and the allocation of funding announced in the 2025 Spending Review to support GOV.UK Wallet development. The role of Trust Framework-certified providers will be examined, including questions of accountability and standards.
Market development & competition
Sessions will consider priorities for achieving a diverse and competitive digital identity system, following supplier and investor concerns about government dominance in provision. Discussion will look at private sector calls for clarity on permitted uses of government authentication and for credentials to be transferable across certified digital wallets, with implications for consumer choice and innovation.
Addressing financial crime risks
The agenda will bring out latest thinking on evolving strategies for using digital identities to reduce fraud in financial services, including approaches highlighted in the Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy 2025.
Delegates will consider implications for digital identities and the sector following recent government guidance recognising them for compliance with UK Money Laundering Regulations, and the new Companies House requirements from November 2025 for identity verification of people with significant control of companies. Areas for discussion include the extent to which current proposals address persistent gaps in fraud prevention and where further safeguards may be needed.
Cross-sector opportunities & use cases
Further sessions will assess implementation across property, healthcare and banking, with focus on what constitutes best practice and how regulatory, technical and ethical barriers to wider deployment might be addressed.
Delegates will also consider the potential of digital identities to enhance public service delivery and their role in migration policy, including implications of the Government’s new digital ID scheme and assessing its potential for combatting illegal working. We also expect discussion on alternative views from civil society and privacy advocates, alongside consideration of the opportunities and risks in this area arising from obligations under the Online Safety Act 2023.
Inclusion, privacy & technology options
Digital inclusion, privacy, and public confidence will also be discussed, looking at options for extending access and safeguarding user data.
Areas for discussion include priorities for supporting digitally excluded groups, in the context of the Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund. Sessions will also look at the role of artificial intelligence and biometrics in verification, including strategies to enhance security, mitigate bias, and avoid system vulnerabilities.
Interoperability & standards
Further discussion will examine practical approaches to interoperability with international digital identity systems, including issues for financial transactions, recruitment checks, and border processes.
Delegates will also assess options for alignment with international standards, and strategies for increasing user take-up of digital identity services while maintaining trust and protecting rights.
All delegates will be able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices, and more widely. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. As well as key stakeholders, those already due to attend include officials from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology; Department for Business and Trade; Information Commissioner’s Office; Defence Science and Technology Laboratory; HM Treasury; Ofcom; Government Legal Department; Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government; National Audit Office; National Crime Agency; Home Office; the Welsh Government; and The Scottish Government.
