Forensic Services Committee

The formal minute of the items of business will be available at the meeting scheduled for August 2024. This will also be published on the Authority’s website.
A full recording of the items of business taken at this meeting can be accessed at Scottish Police Authority Forensic Services Committee - 7 May 2024 | Scottish Police Authority (spa.police.uk)

MAIN ITEMS OF BUSINESS
Forensic Services performance, including financial.
Drug Driving
HMICS Assurance Review of Forensic Toxicology Provision – Improvement Plan and Timeline for Delivery
Forensic Services Change Programme
Forensic Services Business Plan
Forensic Performance Improvement Group (FPIG)
Operational and Strategic Risk

KEY ISSUES RAISED
Forensic Services Directors Report
Members welcomed and commended a positive update in relation to a recent UKAS visit to the Toxicology team in Howden Hall, recognising the progress and improvements made since their previous visit.
In addition, members heard that FS staff recently delivered training to nursing students at the Scottish Police College, to provide them with the skills required to allow them to carry out forensic medical examinations of victims of rape and sexual assault. It was noted that the evaluation of this training has been very positive and Forensic Services continue to work closely with NHS colleagues to ensure that training inputs are being delivered as and when required.
Members sought and received assurance that support was offered to staff working on Operation Launchpad (a significant murder case) and were provided with that assurance.

Forensic Services Performance
Members were provided with a performance update for Q4 2023/24. Members sought and received assurance on performance levels and improvement activity specifically in relation to Search and Recovery Scenes and Laboratory delivery. Members were advised that despite some Laboratory delivery delays, as a result of delays in Police Scotland investigative cases, the risk of cases exceeding the statutory time limit was extremely low.
Members sought a further update in relation to the full implementation of the Operating Model and were advised that it would take some time depending on finances, however, were assured that work was ongoing internally to invest in and progress this piece. Members were also updated on the Strategic Workforce Plan and will welcome sight of that before March 2025.

Drug Driving
Members were advised that they can expect an outlined business case for the Long-Term Sustainable Model in the autumn. Members were advised that an options paper, previously provided to SG, had been refreshed a number of times, therefore members were assured that staff had a strong starting point for this piece of work. Members were also updated and assured around the performance improvements in relation to Section 4 cases.

HMICS Assurance Review of Forensic Toxicology Provision – Improvement Plan and Timeline for Delivery
Members received a positive update on the HMICS Improvement Plan. HMICS provided input to the committee and confirmed that good progress has been made, with the intention to meet with Forensic Services in coming weeks to discuss finer details in relation to the recommendations. Colleagues from both Crown Office and Police Scotland both agreed that there was good collaborative working and a joined-up approach being taken forward.

Forensic Services Change Programme Update
Members were provided with an update on progress against the Forensic Services Change Programme and advised that the development of the Full Business Case (FBC) for the core operating system continues to progress. Members were advised that due to the complexity of interdependencies and associated timeframes, the original target date of June 2024 for delivery of the FBC was no longer achievable. Once the replan activity is completed, it is likely to be 18-24 months before a full business plan is available.
Members have asked that future iterations of the report include an area for quantifiable benefits, which PS staff have agreed to bring forward. Members expressed concern at the level of support from the PS Project Management Office and heard that there is a current vacancy in the PMO for a Senior Project Manager who would help oversee the current live projects. It is hoped that recruitment may be able to progress in the near future now that resources have been agreed for the financial year.

Forensic Services Business Plan
Members welcomed the strategic approach taken within the refreshed two-year business plan for Forensic Services which will be approved by the Director of Forensic Services. Members will continue to be updated on the progress via a balance scorecard within future performance reports to the committee.

Forensic Performance Improvement Group (FPIG)
Members were updated on discussions at the Forensic Performance Improvement Group (FPIG) and have been advised that ongoing reporting of this group will come to all future Forensic Service Committees.

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

CONCLUSIONS/ACTIONS REACHED

Members to have sight of the Strategic Workforce Plan before March 2025.
Future iterations of the Forensic Services Change Programme updates to include an area for quantifiable benefits.
Progress against the Forensic Services Business Plan to be reported as a Balance Scorecard within future Performance Reports.