Surveillance Camera Code of Practice

The Surveillance Camera Code of Practice published in June 2013, sets out 12 guiding principles which strike a balance between protecting the public and holding civil liberties. The principles provide a coherent and comprehensive structure to enable good and transparent decision-making that will reassure the public that surveillance cameras are used to protect and support communities rather than spy on them.

The CoP provides guidance on the appropriate and effective use of surveillance camera systems by relevant authorities (as defined by section 33 of the 2012 Act) in England and Wales who must have regard to the code when exercising any functions to which the code relates. Other operators and users of surveillance camera systems in England and Wales are encouraged to adopt the code voluntarily. It is a significant step in the ongoing process of delivering the government’s commitment to the ‘further regulation of CCTV’ which it believes is a task that is best managed in gradual and incremental stages. As understanding and application of the code increases the government may consider including other bodies as relevant authorities who will have to have regard to the code 

You can download the following documents to help check if your organisation complies and is read for audit:

• A guide to the 12 principles 
• Steps to complying with the 12 principles 

First Steps

To assess whether your organisation complies with the 12 guiding principles of the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice you must complete the self assessment toolkit. When you feel that your business is ready, you can then be audited by IQ Verify in one of two ways described below, with a view of attaining the certificate and certification mark issued by the SCC. 

Step One - Desk Top Certification

Aimed at organisations that are working to achieve full compliance with the code but are aware they may need more time to become fully compliant. 

• Provide IQV with relevant documents to evidence you are compliant with SCC requirements and GDPR  / The Human Rights Act.
• Remote desk top audit of documentation, you may be required to discuss documentation.
• If successful, a certificate issued valid for 12 months on the understanding that within the year, your organisation will work on putting measures in place so you are in a position to apply for full certification (Step Two).
• If you do not apply for full certification within 12 months of desk top certification, you will no longer be able to use the SCC’s mark

Step Two - Full Certification

Aimed at Organisations that are close to or fully compliant with the code.

• Arrange a date for onsite audit to take place.
• IQV visit your organisation, including the control room to audit the system, cameras and procedures to the 12 guiding principles in the Code.
• If successful, a certificate issued valid for 5 years, subject to your annual desk top review. Towards the end of this period, you will need to re-apply for full certification.
• You will be listed as compliant on the Commissioner’s website and be able to use the Surveillance Camera Commissioner’s certification mark on publicity materials.

Annual Desk Top Review

To ensure continued compliance, your organisation will need to complete annual desk top reviews. 

• Desk Top Reviews are subject to the same remote conditions as the Desk Top Certification process, you need to supply IQ Verify with key documentation.
• If any non-compliance issues are identified you will have six weeks to take the appropriate steps to resolve them. 
• The SCC and IQ Verify reserve the right to revoke an organisations’ certification, for serious breaches or consistent non-compliance.