Forensic Services Committee

The formal minute of the public items of business will be available at the meeting scheduled for 8 May 2025. This will also be published on the SPA’s website. A full recording of the public items of business taken at this meeting can be accessed at Forensic Services Committee - 3rd February 2025

MAIN ITEMS OF BUSINESS
• Forensic Services Directors Report
• Forensic Services performance Report Q3
• Performance Framework Refresh
• Forensic Services Financial Monitoring Q3
• Drug Driving
• HMICS Assurance Review of Forensic Toxicology Provision – Improvement Plan and Timeline for Delivery
• Forensic Services Change Programme
• Digital Forensics - Next Steps and timeline for progression
• Forensic Services Staff Survey Results and Action Plan
• Refresh of Forensic Services Strategy
• Operational Risk

KEY ISSUES RAISED
Forensic Services Directors Report (incl Drug Driving)

Members expressed concerns regarding the impact of the recent sustained increase in demand relating to drug driving toxicology analysis, with an approximate 20% increase in each of the 3 months in quarter 3. This was partially but not fully explained by an expected rise following the recent festive drink/drug driving enforcement campaign. Members were advised It was not possible to predict if this elevated level of demand is expected to continue to increase or reduce to the levels agreed within the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Assurance was given that the increase in demand is currently being managed via additional outsourcing, which is placing pressures on the revenue budget as this was not forecasted for this financial year.

Members heard that if this rise is sustained the impact on 25/26 revenue spend may be up to £1M. In addition, members were advised that if demand continues to rise there may be a future risk that outsourcing capacity in the UK will not be able to support this increased demand and that there will be a risk of time barring of cases. However this risk was described as not being imminent. Members reinforced the need for a Long-Term Sustainable Model (LTSM) to be taken forward to a state where the FBC could be approved. Members heard that owing to the scale of the project implementation beyond approval any operational capacity benefits were likely to be around 2-3 years away. It was agreed that drug misuse is a societal issue that is not going away, and members supported a zero tolerance approach to dealing with individual who take drugs and drive and therefore the LTSM is an absolute priority.

Members paid tribute to Forensic Services on maintaining UKAS accreditation for the 26th consecutive year and for positive feedback from the Scottish Biometrics Commissioner that SPA Forensic Services are using biometric data in a lawful, effective, and ethical manner.

Forensic Services performance Report Q3
Members welcomed a positive Forensic Services Performance Report for Q3 2024/25, with our newer members being provided with an overview of how the performance framework feeds into the strategy. Members have asked within future reports showing balance scorecards with amber, that there is more narrative included to advise on rationales, remedial actions and revised timescales.

Performance Framework Refresh
Members discussed and approved the Forensic Services Performance Framework Refresh. Members were advised that work was ongoing to cultivate a high standard of performance from staff, ensuring that performance becomes the key to everything that is done within forensic services. Members were advised that the results of the recent staff surveys will help shape and prioritise further activity in culture development.

Financial Monitoring Report Q3

Members welcomed a report detailing the financial position of Forensic Services for Q3 (nine months ending 31 December 2024) of the financial year 2024/25, as well as forecasting the full outturn to the year end. Members were advised that the impact on a delay in expenditure would have some risks with costs from this financial year moved to next financial year, however, this is being considered alongside the capital investment plans for next year.

HMICS Assurance Review of Forensic Toxicology Provision – Improvement Plan and Timeline for Delivery

Members welcomed a positive update on progress on the HMICS Assurance Review of Forensic Toxicology provision and timeline for delivery. HMICS attended the meeting and supported the progress being made by advising that Forensic Services had a real grip on this piece of work. Members will be updated on reforecast dates following a review of the plan in due course with supported justification and commentary.

Forensic Services Change Programme Update

Members welcomed an update on progress against the Forensic Services Change Programme Plan, and paid tribute to the work being done within benefits realisation.

Digital Forensics - Next Steps and timeline for progression

Members were provided with a verbal update in relation to progress within Digital Forensics in terms of UKAS accreditation, recruitment for Technical Quality Assurance Officers and where each lab was at in terms of being at or reaching a steady state. Members will welcome a fuller written report later in the year.

Committee Effectiveness

Members welcomed a report of findings of a recent survey conducted with Committee Members and stakeholders, seeking their feedback on the overall effectiveness of the Forensic Services Committee. Members noted that there needs to be a greater focus on equality, human rights and/or community impacts within future committee reports, however, agreed that the committee have fulfilled its obligations against the committee Terms of Reference.

Forensic Services Staff Survey Results and Action Plan
Members were provided with a verbal update in relation to the recent Forensic Services Staff Survey Results and Action Plan and look forward to having more of this within public session at the next committee meeting.
Refresh of Forensic Services Strategy
Members were provided with a verbal update in relation to the Refresh of Forensic Services Strategy and look forward to having more of this within public session later in the year.

Operational Risk

Members were provided with the opportunity to review FS Operational Risks.

CONCLUSIONS/ACTIONS REACHED

• Future performance reports showing balance scorecards with amber, to include more narrative advising on rationales, remedial actions and revised timescales.

• Members to receive public updates in relation to Your Voice Matters and INvolve surveys to the next committee meeting

• Members to receive more in public session in relation to the Refresh of Forensic Services Strategy later in the year.