Standard Operating Procedures

A step-by-step guide to trustworthy digital identity 

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are detailed, step-by-step instructions that describe how to perform a function. They break down each function into discrete processes that consist of a series of sequential procedures. By adhering to SOPs, system administrators foster a standardized approach to operations, achieving consistent results for each function and ensuring conformity and reliability.

Using SOPs when establishing a digital identity system is crucial for ensuring the security, reliability, and trustworthiness of the system. The procedures developed by the Alan Turing Institute provide clear, structured steps for the onboarding, authentication, and lifecycle management of digital identities and their associated credentials. By adhering to these SOPs, the identity system can effectively safeguard the sensitive data of its users, prevent unauthorized access to accounts, and maintain the overall integrity of the system. 

There are three high-level critical phases critical to an identity system, each containing a series of functions that must be executed:

1.    Onboarding i.e. the registration, validation and verification of an applicant’s claimed identity.
2.    Authentication i.e. the mechanisms for approving the identity of an applicant or a claimant.
3.    Digital Identity Lifecycle Management i.e. the recording, maintenance and management of the identity account holder.

The 51 SOPs that have been designed around these three stages to offer a comprehensive framework for managing digital identities securely and reliably. You can access these via the link below to the project’s GitHub repository.