Home Office launches new foreign influence registration scheme

The Home Office has successfully launched the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS) - a brand-new scheme which is supported by a digital service developed using the GOSS Digital Platform. Introduced under the National Security Act, FIRS is a key part of the UK's response to national security threats and plays a vital role in safeguarding democratic institutions from covert foreign influence.

Strengthening national security through transparency

The Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS) is a two-tier scheme which strengthens the resilience of the UK political system against covert foreign influence and provides greater assurance around the activities of certain foreign powers or entities that are a national security risk. As a result, the UK will be better informed about the nature, scale and extent of foreign influence in UK.

The scheme requires individuals and organisations to register arrangements with foreign powers and certain foreign power-controlled entities where they are directed to carry out certain activities in the UK.

By mandating this registration, the scheme aims to:

• Provide greater transparency around foreign state influence in the UK.
• Give the police and MI5 a critical new disruptive tool, with criminal offences for those who fail to comply with the scheme.
• Deter those who seek to harm the UK.

A complex, ground-up digital build

FIRS was developed holistically from the ground up—ensuring close alignment of the policy and digital elements. This integrated approach ensured that the digital service was fit for purpose from day one, capable of supporting the legal, procedural, and operational needs of the scheme.

Throughout the project, from initial GOSS Platform configuration and service design, through to Public Beta launch in July 2025, a phased delivery approach allowed for rapid iteration, ongoing service refinement, and a user-centred approach.

A purpose-built solution using the GOSS Digital Platform

Built using the flexible and secure GOSS Digital Platform, FIRS delivers a user-friendly experience for both public users and Home Office staff. It supports a range of advanced features tailored to the scheme's operational needs, including:

• Integration with GOV.UK One Login and GOV.UK Notify, marking a first for GOSS in this context.
• Dual-language functionality, allowing users to engage in both English and Welsh.
• A guided registration service with dynamic forms.
• Publication of registrations to the public register, offering transparency to the wider public.
• The ability for registrants to submit material changes as their arrangements evolve.

The Platform's low-code flexibility allows the Home Office to continue evolving the service in line with user needs and legal requirements, without requiring extensive redevelopment.

A collaborative, agile delivery approach

The success of FIRS is grounded in its strong, cross-functional collaboration. A 'one team' model was adopted from the outset, bringing together GOSS developers, Home Office digital specialists, policy leads, designers, and operational staff into a unified delivery team.

This close partnership enabled:

• Frequent stand-ups and sprint ceremonies to drive continuous progress.
• Regular demos and showcases to align stakeholders and incorporate feedback quickly.
• Seamless integration of policy decisions into the service development process.
• Clear lines of communication between technical, legal, and operational teams.

The agile methodology used throughout the project ensured that development remained flexible and iterative, with the ability to respond rapidly to policy changes, feedback from early users, and shifting priorities.

Delivering a future-proofed national security service

Plans are already in motion to bring the FIRS styling in line with updated GOV.UK standards as part of future iterations.

The launch of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme reflects how digital tools, when developed collaboratively and strategically, can deliver real impact on matters of national importance. This has been a complex, high-stakes project requiring precision, agility, and partnership at every level. GOSS is proud to have supported the Home Office in launching this critical service—and to play a part in helping the UK remain secure and resilient in the face of emerging global threats.