We are required by law to protect the public funds we administer. We may share information we are provided with by other bodies responsible for auditing and administering public funds, to prevent and detect fraud.

On behalf of the Auditor General for Scotland, Audit Scotland appoints the auditor to audit our accounts. It is also responsible for carrying out data-matching exercises.

Data matching

Data matching involves comparing computer records held by one body against other computer records held by the same or another body to see how far they match. This is usually personal information.

Computerised data matching allows potentially fraudulent claims and payments to be identified but the inclusion of personal data within a data matching exercise does not mean that any specific individual is under suspicion. Where a match is found it indicates that there may be an inconsistency which requires further investigation. No assumption can be made as to whether there is fraud, error or other explanation until an investigation is carried out.

The exercise can also help bodies to ensure that their records are up to date.

Audit Scotland currently requires us to participate in a data matching exercise to assist in the prevention and detection of fraud. We are required to provide particular sets of data to Audit Scotland for matching for each exercise, and these are set out in Audit Scotland Instructions.

The use of data by Audit Scotland in a data matching exercise is carried out with statutory authority, normally under its powers in Part 2A of the Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Act 2000.  It does not require the consent of the individuals concerned under the data protection legislation.

Data matching by Audit Scotland is subject to a Code of Data Matching Practice.

For further information on Audit Scotland's legal powers and the reasons why it matches particular information, view the Full text Privacy Notice on their website or contact us.

View our privacy statement.