The government has published a case study on a national capability providing industry, the Civil Aviation Authority, law enforcement and the government with a secure system enabling the unique identification of all staff who have access to restricted areas at UK airports and fall within scope of legislation for enhanced background checks and repeat criminal records checks.
The Accelerated Capability Environment (ACE) shaped and helped develop a proof of concept for APHIDS, which is designed to minimise insider threats, through collaboration across its supplier network. A joint project between the Home Office and Department for Transport, APHIDS is now rolled out across UK airports.
The new system, a central source of information on people who hold, or are applying for, airside access passes, has been praised as user friendly. This was achieved through engagement throughout the design and development process, putting users at the centre of decision-making.
Naimuri was selected as the Home Office Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) industry partner to continue development and delivery of APHIDS through to public beta. APHIDS went into live service in 2022, successfully building on early work with ACE. Naimuri, part of QinetiQ, also secured a support contract for APHIDS.
High adoption rates combined with positive feedback from industry and law enforcement users mean the Department for Transport and the Home Office are exploring the potential for APHIDS to be rolled out to other modes of transport beyond aviation. This would further strengthen and protect the UK’s critical national infrastructure.