The Office of the Biometrics & Surveillance Camera Commissioner have today published a letter to the senior management of 'Relevant Authorities'
(February 15th 2022).
Take-aways from reading today's letter are that 'The updated Code does not place additional burdens on users' and interestingly, this section about procurement 'You may be aware I have significant concerns about the approach of some surveillance camera manufacturers, and I have raised these publicly on several occasions. I am therefore very pleased that the FCDO and Cabinet Office intend to issue new guidance to enable buyers to exercise their discretion more effectively and exclude suppliers linked with modern slavery and human rights violations from bidding for public-funded contracts. At a recent appearance before the House of Lords Justice and Home Affairs Committee on 'New Technologies and the application of the Law', the Policing Minister also referenced the Government's intention to address ethical procurement through the Public Procurement Bill. This will further strengthen the ability of public sector bodies to disqualify suppliers from bidding for contracts where they are associated with human rights abuses including forced labour and modern slavery. I have been discussing this with colleagues in the Local Government Association and we are revising our respective ‘buyer’s guidance’ accordingly.' which will hopefully clarify the position.
Download the original letter below
Comments