Lord Justice Fulford

Investigatory Powers Commissioner's Office

IPCO provides independent oversight and authorisation of the use of investigatory powers by intelligence agencies, police forces and other public authorities.

IPCO’s purpose is to oversee how these powers are used, taking account of the public interest and ensuring that investigations are conducted in accordance with the law.

In February 2017 the Prime Minister approved the appointment of The Right Honourable Sir Adrian Fulford as the first Investigatory Powers Commissioner under the terms of the Investigatory Powers Act 2016.


  • Who we are

    Overseen by the Investigatory Powers Commissioner (IPC), IPCO currently employs approximately 50 people, including Inspectors, lawyers, communications experts and others. The team supports the IPC and the Judicial Commissioners in fulfilling their duties under the Act.

  • What we do

    IPCO provides independent oversight of the use of investigatory powers, as outlined in the Investigatory Powers Act 2016. This oversight includes the inspection and authorisation of the use of these powers by over 600 public authorities.

  • Investigatory Powers

    Investigatory powers allow certain organisations to gather information for investigative purposes, for example through surveillance techniques or the acquisition of communications data.


Recent Activity

  • UN’s International Intelligence Oversight Forum meets in London
    15/10/2019

    Last week the UN’s International Intelligence Oversight Forum (IIOF) took place in London to discuss the future of intelligence oversight worldwide.  Organised by the UN’s Special Rapporteur on the right to Privacy (SRP), the two-day for......
    Read More...

  • PM appoints new Investigatory Powers Commissioner
    03/10/2019

    The Prime Minister has today announced the appointment of Sir Brian Leveson as the new Investigatory Powers Commissioner (IPC). The current Commissioner, Sir Adrian Fulford, will shortly move on to become the Vice President of the Court of Appeal (Crimin......
    Read More...

  • Review of Consolidated Guidance
    18/07/2019

    The Prime Minister has today published The Principles relating to the detention and interviewing of detainees overseas and the passing and receipt of intelligence relating to detainees. The Written Ministerial Statement is available here.   Sir Adr......
    Read More...