Correspondence

Science and Technology Ethics Advisory Committee commission 2026 to 2027

Commissioning letter to the Science and Technology Ethics Advisory Committee setting out work priorities for 2026 to 2027.

• From: Home Office and Science and Technology Ethics Advisory Committee
• Published: 9 October 2026

Documents

Commissioning letter 2026/2027

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The Science and Technology Ethics Advisory Committee (STEAC) provides independent ethical advice, challenge and support to the Home Office and its stakeholders on science, technology, data and related policy and operational initiatives. Following its transition from the Biometrics and Forensics Ethics Advisory Group and a review of its remit, STEAC will support the wider integration of independent scientific advice into Home Office policy.

For 2026/27, STEAC has been asked to continue considering and providing advice on important topics including:

• the Home Office’s integrated approach to ethics
• the legislative framework for law enforcement biometrics and overt surveillance, including development of the code of practice
• police use of facial recognition and associated implementation plans
• forensic delivery priorities
• policing AI delivery and restructuring proposals arising from the Policing Reform White Paper