GOV.UK One Login rolls out for HMRC users

GOV.UK One Login is being rolled out for new HMRC users, following three years of cross government development.

The portal, which was created in a joint effort between Government Digital Service (GDS) and HMRC, allows users to access all government services through a singular account in a move which intends to increase efficiency. Since February a number of new HMRC users have been directed to sign in through the One Login service, and over the coming months it is set to become the standard route for all those accessing the HMRC site for the first time.

Lucy Leonard, HMRC Onboarding Team Lead at GDS, called the implementation of the Login a “milestone” in a blog post.

She said: “This is another significant step towards a simpler, more consistent experience for people accessing government services online.”

The close collaboration between GDS and HMRC allowed the two organisations to develop solutions which worked seamlessly across both services, and also helped the teams get a better grasp of HMRC’s requirements, from the everyday to the more fundamental.

Another essential part of development was user testing, which was carried out rigorously, with feedback being used to resolve points of confusion.

However, as Leonard states, “going live was just the beginning”.

The government is currently monitoring metrics to ensure the service continues to run smoothly, keeping track of the number of people using the service, the success rate for ID verification - as well as any points of friction- and the volume of calls received by contact centres in relation to the new platform.

Going forward, the government intends to bring existing online HMRC users, who would currently use ‘Government Gateway’, onto the Login.

Highlighting the significance of the project, Leonard detailed how on the day on which GOV.UK One Login went live, a small number of people from GDS travelled to the HMRC offices to see the switch on in person. The successful launch was then celebrated with cake.

“The cake was delicious,” Leonard said, adding, “I could have had a second slice, and I am very particular about cake.”

Featured Image Credit: Government Digital Service