Full-Scale PIA - Preliminary phase

This is Phase 1 of the suggested five-phase PIA process.

The purpose of this phase is to ensure that a firm basis is established for the PIA to be conducted effectively and efficiently.

The suggested deliverables are a project plan and a project background paper.

The following tasks are suggested:

• Review (or, if necessary, prepare) the PIA project terms of reference. Guidance is provided in relation to the PIA objectives.
• Review the outcomes of the PIA screening process .
• Review (or, if necessary, determine) the scope of the PIA. At its narrowest, the scope could be limited to one or more particular items, or a particular process (such as acquiring data, obtaining consent, or the disclosure of information), or a particular technology (such as a smartcard). At its most comprehensive, the scope could extend to a social impact assessment. Because it is a form of risk assessment, the scope of a Full-Scale PIA should be fairly broadly expressed.
• Review (or, if necessary, prepare) the stakeholder analysis, to ensure that major players in the project have been identified.
• Review (or, if necessary, prepare) the PIA project plan. Although a set of phases, tasks and outcomes is suggested, the Project Plan should take into account the specific features of the particular project and depart from this if necessary.
• Hold preliminary discussions with relevant organisations. These discussions would generally focus on relevant parts of the organisation itself and any key participating organisations. Early discussions with external organisations, including the Information Commissioner's Office, may also be advisable in some circumstances
• Hold preliminary discussions with representatives of and advocates for stakeholder groups. This is likely to be of importance where particular external parties may be significantly affected by the project and what it delivers..
  Conduct a preliminary analysis of privacy issues. This is likely to commence with a deeper re-consideration of the outcomes of the Screening Process.
• Review (or, if necessary, prepare) the environmental issues scan, to ensure an up-to-date appreciation of research, publications and media activity, and how other organisations and other jurisdictions have approached similar projects.
• Review the resourcing in light of the level of understanding achieved to date.
• Prepare the project background paper. This document will establish the basis for discussions with stakeholders.