Though I am always grateful for contact with members of the public who have something to say that is relevant to my tasks, I cannot investigate or provide redress in respect of particular incidents. Nor does time permit me to assist students with their dissertations.

The Independent Reviewer’s responsibilities in relation to terrorism extend to Northern Ireland: but public order matters under the Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Act 2007 are the responsibility of a separate Northern Ireland Reviewer, Robert Whalley CB, whose annual reports are generally published in November.

The functions of the Independent Reviewer are distinct from (though occasionally confused with) those of the Interception of Communications Commissioner (Rt. Hon. Sir Anthony May) and the Intelligence Services Commissioner (Rt. Hon. Sir Mark Waller), who are appointed under sections 57 and 59 respectively of the Regulation of Investigative Powers Act 2000. Further details of their roles may be found on the Intelligence Commissioner website.