Office for Communications
Data Authorisations
The Office for Communications Data Authorisations (OCDA) was formed by government following the introduction of the Investigatory Powers Act (IPA) 2016.
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We are an independent arms-length body of the Home Office whose function is to authorise the acquisition of Communications Data (CD) for Public Authorities.
OCDA became operational in 2019 and we currently operate out of two locations at Birmingham and Manchester.
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Our Mission
Our Mission is Public Protection and has two strands:
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We protect the human rights of individuals from unjustifiable intrusions by the State, in our capacity as an independent body authorising access to communications data when it is lawful, necessary, and proportionate.
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We independently assess, in a professional and efficient manner, the lawful acquisition of CD by a public authority in order to meet its function of protecting the public.
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Our Values
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All staff must be independent. We undertake our duties fairly and independently from the Government and Public Authorities.
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All staff must be accountable. We are accountable to the Investigatory Powers Commissioner.
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All staff must act professionally. We endeavour to meet high professional standards in the way we work and the decisions we make.
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All staff must be open and engaged. As an organisation we will seek to improve society's understanding of, and confidence in, the independent oversight of the use of investigatory powers.
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All staff must act in a secure manner. We maintain high levels of security for our premises, systems, and staff.
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All staff must be responsive. We are an agile workforce, capable of adapting to changes in law, technology, and society.