Main Issues Raised at Forensic Services Committee

Forensic Services Performance

Members welcomed a positive update in relation to UKAS, following noticeable progress since their previous visit. Members have asked for more work to be done in relation to benchmarking and have encouraged SPA Forensic Services staff to look at this area strategically with organisations across the UK (e.g. university partners), requesting that SPA Corporate staff support this activity.

When considering the 2022/23 year-end performance report members raised concerns about performance of post-mortem toxicology since the service went live in December 2022. The Director updated that there was an expectation that there would be an increase in turnaround time following the transfer of staff from Glasgow University, however this increase has been more significant and longer lasting than anticipated. Given concerns in this area, members have requested that monthly performance updates are provided and that any further slippages are flagged immediately to members. The Director provided assurance that the service will return to a 5-week turnaround for non-priority work by October and that the backlog will be addressed.

Members considered Quarter 1 23/24 performance in the new format report, welcoming progress in this area and providing feedback on a number of areas of development to the template report. The Director assured members that this was a live and iterative process, with the Q2 report being developed in line with feedback. To support development of the performance approach members have agreed to undertake a deep dive, which will take place before the next committee meeting.

Members were also updated on the financial position of Forensic Services for Q1 23/24 and the forecast break-even revenue position. Members sought clarity on the operational impacts of the current underspend on staffing. Members also consider the efficiency plan, focused on areas that have yet to deliver and were assured that there is active ongoing management of savings to deliver on budget.

Drug Driving / Forensic Toxicology Improvement

Members were provided with an update on current performance within criminal toxicology (drug driving) and noted concerns around implications of the cessation of the current extension to the statutory time limit from 6 to 12 months. The Director and Head of Function provided assurance around the planning currently underway within the service for this, however they advised committee that a return to a 6-month statutory time limit with immediate effect in December 2023 would result in a significant volume of time barred cases as a result and have made Scottish Government aware of this. Members were advised that the service are in constant dialogue with the outsourcing provider, who have emphasised challenges this would cause, however, have provided assurance that they are developing their own capacity to meet the demand for service in Scotland. Members have requested more information on all possible options available to allow them to take a view on what further action can and should be taken to mitigate for this.

Members were also provided with an update on agreed improvement actions being delivered by both SPA Forensic Services and SPA Corporate Services in response to recommendations made in the HMICS Assurance Review of Forensic Toxicology. HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland noted thank to the service for the work done in response to the recommendations and the immediate actions already underway. around the action plan that had been set out. Specifically, Mr Naylor noted a desire to see inhouse capability and capacity improve along with an improvement in sample processing times from Police Scotland.

Forensic Services Change Programme Update

Members were updated on progress against the Forensic Services Change Programme and were assured to hear that the Resources Committee had approved progression to a full business case, whilst noting some concerns highlighted by them. Members were advised that the level of investment around the new operating model was not as anticipated therefore there is a phasing element to the model.

Members were also provided with an update on implementation of the Forensic Science Regulators Code of Practice for England and Wales and work underway to assess voluntary compliance with this in Scotland.

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

Members were provided with a final revised Memorandum of Understanding and commended all partners involved for reaching this point.

Operational Risk

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