Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner

Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner

Location : Flexible in the UK, but will require regular travel to London

Time commitment : Full time, 37 hour(s) per week

Remuneration : £130,000

Length of term : Two years

Application deadline : 11pm on 22 April 2025

The Home Secretary is seeking to appoint a single Biometrics and Surveillance Commissioner for two years.

Biometrics Commissioner

The Protection of Freedoms Act (PoFA) 2012 introduced the regime for the destruction, retention and use by the police of biometric material (DNA samples, DNA profiles and fingerprints), including that held for national security purposes. The regime amended the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, so that only those convicted of a criminal offence have their DNA and fingerprints retained indefinitely.

PoFA provides a mechanism whereby in exceptional circumstances Chief Officers of police in England and Wales can apply for the DNA profile and/or fingerprints obtained from a person arrested, but not subsequently charged with an offence to be retained for a limited period. Such applications are made under section 63G of PACE to the Commissioner for the Retention and Use of Biometric Material (the ‘Biometrics Commissioner’), who may consent to such retention if they consider it appropriate.

PoFA additionally makes provision for a National Security Determination (NSD) to be made, allowing the extended retention of biometric material where it is necessary for national security purposes. This regime also distinguishes between the retention of biometric materials taken from adults and those under 18 years of age. The Commissioner has a UK-wide oversight function as regards the retention and use by the police on national security grounds.

The Commissioner for the Retention and Use of Biometric Material (the ‘Biometrics Commissioner’) is responsible for providing independent oversight and scrutiny of the retention regime established by PoFA and governing the retention and use by the police in England and Wales of DNA samples, DNA profiles and fingerprints.

Surveillance Camera Commissioner

PoFA also introduced the requirement for a code of practice, on the use of surveillance camera systems, to be produced by the Home Secretary. The Act established a Surveillance Camera Commissioner to have responsibility for encouraging police and local authorities to comply with the surveillance camera code and to consider how best to encourage voluntary adoption of the code by other operators of surveillance camera systems. They are additionally responsible for reviewing the operation of the code and providing advice about the code, including changes to it and breaches of it.

Combined role

Whilst the two roles are distinct and separate from each other, we will be seeking one individual to fill both roles as this has been how the role has been successfully carried out in the past two appointments as a way to simplify the oversight regime.

The Commissioner will be supported by an office of staff who will support them in carrying out their functions.

Essential criteria

• Leadership: demonstrable track record in relevant senior leadership roles and the ability to set strategic vision and drive forward priorities.

• Knowledge: a clear understanding of the work, priorities and challenges relating to the use of biometrics and overt surveillance.

• Experience: a strong track record of delivery on biometrics and overt surveillance policy issues within either a within a public or private sector setting.

• Relationship building: ability to build strong stakeholder relationships, including with Ministers and Senior Government officials and external stakeholders.

• Communication: strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to listen, accept challenge and constructively challenge others in discussions with clarity and respect.

• Judgement: effective decision-making skills with the ability to critically analyse a wide range of information to make clear and objective evidence-based recommendations to support the delivery of the BSCC's objectives.

• Collaboration: ability to work closely key stakeholders, providing support, constructive challenge, and assurance as appropriate.