The purpose of the code is to explain the datadata-matching matching work the the NFI does does and to give guidance to the Cabinet Office and its staff, auditorsauditors, and persons and bodiesorganisations involved in datadata-matching matching exercises on the law,law. This especially includes the provisions of current data protection legislation,legislation and topromotes promote good practice in data matching. However, it is incumbentthe onresponsibility of all participants of the NFI to ensure their own procedures whencomply participating are complaint with the law as(as amended from time to time.time).

The Code of Data Matching Practice was published and laid before Parliament on 12 September 2018. It replaced the previous code published by the Audit Commission in 2008.

Part 6 of the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 requires the Cabinet Office to prepare and keep under review a code of practice to govern its data matching exercises, and to consult with the Information Commissioner and others over it before approving and laying it before parliament.