FORENSIC SERVICES DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Members considered the report which detailed recent activities within Forensic Services. Fiona Douglas highlighted a number of key points as detailed in the paper.

In discussion the following matters were raised:
• Members were informed the Crown Office were expected to sign the MOU within the coming days.
• Members sought an update on progress following the transfer of Post Mortem toxicology and heard detailed work has been undertaken by Forensic Services and estates, as well as work to validate processes. Forensic Services are on track to deliver the implementation of service levels agreed with Crown Office by the end of October 2023. Caseload has also reduced by 24%.
• Members sought comment on the balance between demand and capacity and heard up until 2022/23 there had been a misalignment. Previously, demand had outstripped capacity in areas with large volume crime, but this has been rectified in part by the new operating model and performance is improved. Members were told more work is still required around strategic workforce planning to better forecast demand. FDouglas stated that now demand and capacity was better aligned, work was progressing to increase the speed in which intelligence for volume crime can be provided to partners.
• Members were assured that Forensic Services are working within their approved budget, and heard planning is underway to identify long term efficiencies. FDouglas reiterated the desire to have improved demand forecasts to ensure the service is better equipped to respond to partners, and to provide a clear indication of what is required in the current economic climate. FDouglas stated the organisation was still going through transformational change but was starting to see the benefits.

The Authority RESOLVED to:
• NOTE the report.