The National DNA Database Ethics Group

The NDNAD Ethics Group is an advisory Non Departmental Public Body (NDPB), established to provide independent advice on ethical issues to Home Office Ministers and the strategy board.

The application of quality standards is important to national forensic science intelligence databases. Of particular importance is the National DNA Database (NDNAD), which is administered by the National Policing Improvement Agency (new window) (NPIA) and governed by the NDNAD strategy board.

The group's members were recruited through public competition and bring a wide range of skills and experience. The group is chaired by Christopher Hughes.  

Membership of the NDNAD Ethics Group

Current members of the group are:

• Christopher Hughes OBE 
• Dr Derrick Campbell
• Wendy Coates
• Madeleine Colvin
• Dr Nina Hallowell
• Professor David Latchman CBE  
• Dr Andrea Pearson
• Dr Clive Richards
• Dr Sameer Sarkar
• Sarah Thewlis
• Dr Suzy Walton

Dr Nina Hallowell and Professor David Latchman CBE have been appointed as members of the group through open competition.

Notes from meetings of the NDNAD Ethics Group

• Meeting of 13 September 2010
• Meeting of 14 June 2010
• Meeting of 8 March 2010
• Meeting of 8 December 2009
• Meeting of 24 September 2009
• Meeting of 4 June 2009
• Meeting of 26 March 2009

Annual reports

Home Office Minister Meg Hillier made a written ministerial statement on Monday 21 July 2008 announcing the publication of the first annual report by the National DNA Database Ethics Group. The report makes a number of recommendations around the processes involved in the taking, use and retention of DNA samples, and in particular those taken from volunteers.

Read a full copy of the NDNAD Ethics Group first annual report and the written ministerial statement.

Home Office Minister Alan Campbell tabled a written ministerial statement on 9 September 2009 announcing the publication of the second annual report of the National DNA Database Ethics Group.

Read a full copy of the NDNAD Ethics Group second annual report and the written ministerial statement.

Home Office Minister James Brokenshire made a written ministerial statement on Monday 26 July 2010 announcing the publication of the third annual report by the National DNA Database Ethics Group. The report gives consideration to a number of issues on the operation of the database and makes five recommendations around the the database being supported by statistical evidence and a strong governance framework, and improvements to the appeals process.

Read a full copy of the NDNAD Ethics Group third annual report and the written ministerial statement.