Forensic Services Director's Report

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

In discussion the following matters were raised:
• Members sought detail on timelines for determining a long-term sustainable model for drug driving. FDouglas highlighted the work of the Strategic Oversight Board and the upcoming Toxicology Strategy and committed to providing timelines.
• Members questioned whether there were timelines for managing the potential risk of differences in forensic regulation between England and Scotland. FDouglas confirmed the new code of practice was not applicable in Scotland but gap analysis would be undertaken to ascertain what a code could look like in Scotland. FDouglas advised that six monthly updates are provided to the Forensic Services Committee.
• Members sought assurance that the new operating model could be fully delivered with a revised budget. FDouglas responded that implementation had progressed well, and several milestones had been met despite not receiving the full investment for the business case. Notwithstanding, Members heard a potential consequence of reduced investment could be that benefits realisation would be slower.
• Congratulations were shared on the Forensic Services Excellence Awards and the opening of Moorepark Laboratory which was on time and within budget.

The Authority RESOLVED to:
• NOTE the report.
• AGREE the following action:
Timeline for determining long term sustainable model to be provided to the Forensic Services Committee.
20231130-BM-004