National Panel for Registration

Purpose

The Panel exists to support Local Registration Services in England and Wales, and all those who work within them, to deliver the best possible outcomes for customers in an increasingly complex local government landscape.

The Panel promote engagement across Local Registration Services to help shape transformation, policy, and practice. It supports the effective implementation of evidence-based change by acting as a conduit between national policy and local delivery. It also helps prioritise and resolve challenges while championing modernisation, service excellence, public protection, and counter-fraud across the sector.

What this means in practice

• Lead strategic dialogue between local and central government, and with campaigners, on issues affecting Local Registration Services.
• Influence policy development and implementation by providing a local authority and service delivery perspective, including advice on opportunities, risks, and impacts.
• Engage with third-party organisations and stakeholders, where appropriate, to support effective partnership working.
• Identify and escalate risks affecting Local Registration Services and constructively challenge changes that may adversely impact registration services.
• Facilitate two-way communication between the Panel and regional registration groups, ensuring services are informed about wider government changes affecting civil registration.
• Support the local government agenda and represent the collective views of local authorities.
• Raise the national profile of Local Registration Services, highlighting their value, professionalism, and contribution to public life.

Partners and Stakeholders

Panel works with a wide range of partners and stakeholders across government to support and influence the development of national policy, while also providing strategic support to local authorities and Local Registration Services.

Internal and Local Authority Partners

Panel works closely with internal and local authority partners, including:

• Safeguarding services
• Children’s and Adults’ Services
• Library services
• Other relevant local authority functions

These partnerships support joined-up service delivery and effective responses to issues affecting registration services.

National and External Stakeholders

Panel engages with a broad range of national stakeholders, including:

• General Register Office (GRO)
• HM Passport Office
• UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
• Chief Coroner
• Medical Examiners
• Department of Health and Social Care
• Ministry of Justice
• Department for Work and Pensions
• Welsh Government
• NHS organisations
• Local Registration Services and Coroner Association
• Law Commission
• Other government departments and agencies

Local Government Representation

Panel also works closely with the Local Government Association (LGA) and the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA), which represent the interests of local government in England and Wales. The LGA and WLGA provide support to Local Registration Services in the development of policy, promote service improvement, and advocate for consistent, high standards of performance across local government.