Government searching for new ID card watchdog

The government has started its search for a National Identity Scheme Commissioner.

Advertised in national newspapers, the newly-created role will act as a watchdog to keep data held on the National Identity Register secure, managing access to that database for private and public bodies, and helping to roll-out the cards to the rest of the country.

"This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic thinker to shape the role of the commissioner in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment," the advert reads.

ID cards are currently being given to foreign nationals studying in the UK or married to UK citizens. The scheme will be rolled out to UK citizens starting this year.

The National Identity Scheme Commissioner role was modeled on the Information Commissioner's job, and though it may sound like a rather thankless task, will offer a six-figure salary for a three-year term.

Click here to read everything you need to know about ID cards.