Scottish Biometrics Commissioner - review of functions: consultation

Annex A

Evidence Sources for the review

The following material is assessed as a relevant consideration for the review although this is not an exhaustive list:

• The SBC’s strategic plan for the period November 2021-2025^[14];
• The SBC’s business plan for 2023-24^[15], 2024-25^[16] and 2025-26^[17];
• The SBC’s national assessment framework for biometric data outcomes^[18];
• The SBC’s Logic Model and Outcomes framework 2025-29^[19];
• The findings, recommendations and outcomes from the SBC’s Annual Reports (2021/22^[20], 2022-23^[21], 2023-24^[22] and 2024/25^[23]);
• The findings, recommendations and outcomes from the respective SBC’s assurance reviews on Children & Young People^[24], Vulnerable Adults^[25], Images and Photographs^[26], DNA^[27], Retrospective Facial Search^[28] and Fingerprints^[29];
• The findings from the SBC’s Code of Practice Compliance self- assessments^[30];
• The findings and recommendations made in the SBC’s report on the operation of the Code of Practice as per section 14 of the 2020 Act^[31];
• The SBC’s Communication and Engagement Strategy 2024-26^[32];
• Any relevant findings from public attitudes surveys (including those conducted or commissioned by the SBC) concerning public awareness/confidence in police use of biometric data and/or technologies^{[33] [34] [35] [36]};
• The SBC’s outward interface in terms of speaking at conferences and events – statements and messages provided^[37];
• Statements and Newsletters published on the SBC’s website^[38];
• The SBC’s public complaint handling mechanisms as per section 15 of the 2020 Act^[39] and published data on levels of complaints received/outcomes^[40];
• Membership and minutes of the SBC advisory group^[41];
• Existing research and reports on biometrics and technologies governance where the SBC has had input or its work has been referenced for example –Independent advisory group on new and emerging technologies in policing^[42], Public Space CCTV in Scotland: research findings^[43], Independent legal review of the governance of biometric data in England and Wales^[44]; The Future of Biometric Technology for Policing and Law Enforcement Informing UK Regulation^[45], An eye on the future - A legal framework for the governance of biometric technologies in the UK^[46];
• SPA Board and Committee reports^[47]; Review of Biometric Retention Periods report^[48], academia journals^[49], blogs^[50] etc;
• Parliamentary interface - for example parliamentary questions/responses^[51], SBC evidence provided to the Criminal Justice committee^[52] the Finance and Public Administration Committee^[53] and the Scottish Parliament Corporate Body Supported Bodies Landscape Review Committee^[54];
• The SBC’s interface with government, government agencies, and parliaments in other UK and wider jurisdictions^[55].