Corporate Information
Find our more about our strategic vision; our performance; how we're governed and what information we share.
Our Strategic Vision
Our Strategic Plan 2021-25 was approved by the Parliament corporation and was laid before the Scottish Parliament on 24 November 2021
Our purpose and vision
To support and promote the adoption of lawful, effective, and ethical practices in relation to the acquisition, retention, use, and destruction of biometric data for criminal justice and police purposes in Scotland. (Our strategic priorities are directly aligned to the statutory functions of the Commissioner as established in section 2 (3) of the Scottish Biometrics Commissioner Act 2020).
Our values
- Independent
- Transparent
- Proportionate
- Accountable
This document sets out the Scottish Biometric Commissioner’s (SBC) risk management plan in line with the strategic plan and annual business plan for the period. It sets out our appetite for risk and how we assess the risks to achieving our business plan. It should be read in conjunction with our Risk Management Policy, within the Governance and Risk Management handbook published on our website.
Governance
The Scottish Biometrics Commissioner (SBC) recognises that to deliver its strategic aims, objectives, and priorities successfully, it needs sound corporate governance and control mechanisms in place.
This handbook sets out the roles, responsibilities and procedures for the effective and efficient conduct of the SBC business.
As a Scottish Public Authority, the Scottish Biometrics Commissioner is committed to governance excellence and to being accountable and transparent for its decisions and activities.
The handbook contains details on the following:
- Governance and Internal Control
- Scheme of Delegation
- Code of Professional Conduct
- Whistleblowing Policy
- Anti-Fraud Policy
- Risk Management Policy
How the Scottish Biometrics Commissioner.........
Our Performance
The Scottish Biometrics Commissioner has today (25 October 2022) laid his first annual report and accounts before the Scottish Parliament.
The report provides information on the Commissioner’s functions in providing independent oversight of how biometric data and technologies are used for policing and criminal justice purposes in Scotland, and information on our performance and finances. A separate report from the external auditor of our financial statements will be published on the Audit Scotland website: https://www.audit-scotland.gov.uk/
The Commissioner Dr Brian Plastow has today said “My overall strategic conclusion from our activity in 2021 to 2022 is that the Parliament should have confidence in the ways in which biometric data and technologies are currently used for policing and criminal justice purposes in Scotland.”
Information we share
The purpose of this Guide to Information is to:
- allow the public to see what information is and is not available in relation to each class
- state what charges may be applied
- explain how to find the information easily
- provide contact details for enquiries and to get help with accessing the information
- explain how to request information we hold that has not been published
The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) provides individuals with a right to request any recorded information held by Scotland’s public authorities. Anyone can use this right, and information can only be withheld where FOISA expressly permits it.
The Scottish Biometrics Commissioner (SBC) has adopted the Model Publication Scheme 2018 (updated 2021) developed and approved by the Scottish Information Commissioner.
The purpose of this document is to set out an initial roadmap listing the different records likely to be maintained by the office of the Scottish Biometrics Commissioner once fully established.