The Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament (ISC) of Parliament is a cross-party committee of MPs and Lords that oversees the work of the UK's Intelligence Services.

 

The ISC regularly visits GCHQ, and takes evidence from the heads of the agencies, ministers, other senior officials and civil servants. The ISC will shortly hold its first public evidence session with the heads of the intelligence and security agencies.

 

The ISC reports annually to the Prime Minister, and these reports are published and debated in Parliament. The ISC is also able to produce ad hoc reports, where it feels that there is an issue that merits separate investigation.

 

GCHQ is also overseen by the independent Intelligence Services Commissioner and Interception of Communications Commissioner, both of whom are former senior judges. They have complete access to GCHQ personnel, operations and documents to perform their function. They examine warranted or authorised operations and monitor GCHQ's compliance with the law.

 

In addition, complaints by the public against GCHQ are investigated by the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT). Members of the IPT are drawn from the judiciary and senior members of the legal profession, and can ask the Intelligence Services Commissioner to assist in providing information from GCHQ.