Correspondence

Biometrics and Forensics Ethics Group commission 2025 to 2026

Published 5 September 2025

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Dear Mark,

Commissioning letter 2025/2026

Thank you and for the Biometric and Forensics Ethics Group’s (BFEG) contribution to Home Office policy development over the past 18 months.

We presented the department’s priorities for year 25/26 at the BFEG January 2025 quarterly meeting to help BFEG’s working groups to plan. Accordingly, this year we would like BFEG to note the following priorities:

  • Biometrics

    • Data retention policy and implementation plans.
    • Police use of facial recognition and implementation plans.
    • The development of key HO Office biometrics infrastructure projects, including Strategic Matcher and IABS Cloud Transformation

  • Artificial Intelligence

    • Development of the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard (ATRS)
    • Development of advanced algorithms (including AI) adoption policy
    • Risk assessment of specific algorithms.

  • FINDS priorities

    • Managing the Missing Persons DNA Database (MPDD) Upgrade to a secure platform
    • Development of a ‘YSTR’ Capability

We continue to expect the Forensic Information Databases Strategy (FINDS) Board to also request ad hoc advice on forensic information and database policy and projects as and when needed. And that either the Chair or a designated Deputy continue to attend the Forensic Information Databases Strategy Board as outlined in the BFEG Terms of Reference.

We continue to support the work that BFEG is undertaking with the Home Office Ethics Champion regarding delivery of good practice and independent ethical advice. We also continue to support the work BFEG is undertaking with the NPCC regarding the development of a Policing Ethics Body. We are supporting BFEG in its engagement as an independent source of ethical advise to ACE (Accelerated Capability Environment), as well as the development of its function to provide ethical advice on Research, Development and Innovations submissions under the remit of the HO Chief Scientific Advisor to introduce submissions to BFEG for relevant ethical advice.

Additionally, we would like the BFEG to propose areas to focus on for their 30% self-commissioned work with the expectation that we will decide together which of these projects to take forward this year. BFEG’s self-determined work is typically 30% but we are content for this to increase this year if it supports or develops the departmental priorities. There is also an expectation to review the role and remit of BFEG going forward.

We also note that during this commissioning brief period BFEG will have a name change to Science and Technology Ethics Advisory Committee (STEAC) and the above commissioning priorities will continue to apply. 

I look forward to working with you again this year.

Your sincerely,

Alex Macdonald Lead Policy Sponsor for BFEG

Nicholas Moiseiwitsch – Deputy Chief Scientific Advisor

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