As the Digital Information and Smart Data Bill (DISD Bill) advances through legislative stages, HR decision-makers must stay informed about its implications for data management and background screening. This bill aims to modernise data handling, enhance digital identity verification, and introduce Smart Data schemes to improve data control and security.
The king's speech and a new labour government
The introduction of the DISD Bill follows the formation of a new Labour government in the UK. The King's Speech, delivered on 17 July 2024, outlined the government's legislative agenda, emphasising digital transformation and data security. On a more granular level, it highlighted the new government's commitment to advancing digital identity frameworks and enhancing data protection, reflecting a significant policy shift aimed at modernising the UK’s digital infrastructure.
Impact on background screening
One of the bill's key initiatives is the promotion of secure, trusted digital identity products from certified providers. These services aim to streamline identity verification processes, making them more secure and efficient. This will benefit Digital Identity Service Providers (IDSPs), enabling more reliable and faster verification methods compared to traditional manual processes. For HR departments, this means more efficient background screening, reducing time-to-hire and improving the overall candidate experience. The government's initiative estimates a £600 million per year economic benefit from the widespread use of secure digital identities across the UK. This move aligns the UK with global leaders like Singapore and Estonia, which have already implemented advanced digital ID systems.ins
Mathew Armstrong, CEO of Giant Screening, highlights the bill’s importance: "The Digital Information and Smart Data Bill is a significant step forward in enhancing the security and efficiency of background screening. At Giant Screening, we are committed to integrating these advancements so that we can continue to provide our clients with cutting-edge solutions that ensure data integrity and compliance. We'll be following these developments closely to ensure we stay ahead of the curve."
Leveraging smart data schemes
Another critical component of the bill is the implementation of Smart Data schemes, similar to the models currently used for Open Banking, which will allow customers to share their data with authorised third-party providers under a standardised and secure legal framework. This means access to more accurate and reliable data for making critical hiring decisions. At Giant Screening, we already utilise Open Banking technology as part of our instant employment verification service and this legislation builds on existing technologies like this.
The bill also aims to modernise and strengthen the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), transforming it into a more modern regulatory structure with new powers. This reform is expected to bring greater clarity and compliance requirements.
With its potential introduction, this bill looks set to revolutionise data management in the UK, with significant benefits for HR and background screening processes. By embracing these changes, organisations can enhance their hiring practices, ensuring a more secure and efficient process. We remain committed to leading this transformation by providing robust, innovative, and compliant screening services for all our clients, now and into the future.
