Slaughter and May has won a contract to advise the U.K. Government on its online platform for securely accessing all its digital services.

The Magic Circle firm will advise the government on finance and complex legal services relating to its GOV.UK Verify programme, which has recently expanded.

The GOV.UK Verify programme is designed to act as a one-stop shop for safe access to all government online services, such as applying for universal credit, accessing the DVLA or HM Land Registry, filing self-assessment tax returns, and checking state pensions. It allows users to prove their identity online, rather than in person or by post. The service – established in 2016 – has nearly four million users across the country.

Slaughters has deployed technology and IP partner David Ives to lead the project. He recently advised Marks & Spencer on the launch of a new startup-focused initiative. In 2015, he acted for ITV in its acquisition of production company Talpa and he also counts Carillion, Direct Line and GE Capital in his client portfolio.

The £350,000 contract is the latest in a succession of recent government wins for the firm. Last month, it secured three contracts totalling nearly £2 million in fees.

The Verify contact will run for a year and a half, ending in July 2020.