The expert Industry Working Group on Electronic Execution of Documents has today published their interim report, which sets out analysis of the current situation in England and Wales, identifies simple best practice guidance based on existing technology (including for vulnerable individuals), and makes recommendations for future analysis and reform.
The Industry Working Group was convened following a recommendation by the Law Commission, which the Lord Chancellor welcomed and implemented. The Ministry of Justice says it welcomes the interim report and is grateful for the Group’s work which will help inform the future use and uptake of e-signatures by government and others.
The Group’s work is also central to ensuring that the UK remains a centre for legal excellence and that the English and Welsh jurisdiction continues to lead the way in enabling the adoption of emerging technologies and in supporting and facilitating digital trade and commerce.
Lord David Wolfson, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, said:
“I would like to thank the Industry Working Group for this important report on electronic signatures. We in Government are excited about the potential benefits of new, digital ways of working and I welcome in particular the best practice guidance put forward by the group, which will help increase confidence in and encourage uptake of electronic signatures. I am committed to ensuring the UK jurisdiction remains at the forefront of adapting to digital innovation, so that we can best capture the opportunities this offers for our businesses and citizens.”
In the next phase of its work, the Group says it will focus on its remaining Terms of Reference, namely to consider the challenges arising from the use of electronic signatures in cross-border transactions and how to address them, and how best to use electronic signatures so as to optimise their benefits when set against the risk of fraud.
Charlotte Ponder, TEP Legal Director, CTT Group, and member of the working group, commented:
“I have really enjoyed the opportunity so far to contribute to such a worthwhile project alongside my fellow group members.
As part of my role at CTT Group I have always been alive to the power of technology to provide additional efficiencies and protections resulting in an improved customer journey, hence the development of our software, Countrywide Legacy. It has always been my belief that electronic signatures can provide additional safeguards over and above those available through traditional methods of signing. When establishing processes, technology has always been at the forefront of my mind, and I look forward to seeing an increase in use of electronic signatures across law and business in the future. I hope the Group’s interim report (and the best practice guidance it contains) gives others the confidence to use electronic signatures.”
The report can be found on GOV.UK and Lord Justice Birss, Mr Justice Fraser and Professor Sarah Green can be viewed discussing the report and its findings here.
