Forensic Services Committee

The formal minute of the public items of business will be available at the meeting scheduled for 4 December 2023.  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 – 30 October 2023

 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
• 10 Year Anniversary – Cold Case Review
• Strategic and Operational Risk

KEY ISSUES RAISED

Forensic Services Directors Report

Members commended the team for reaching a signed Memorandum of Understanding between Forensic Services, Police Scotland and the Crown Office. In addition, members welcomed and commended the new Forensic Services branding.

Forensic Services Performance Framework

Following a considerable amount of work by Forensic Services over the past 9 months, along with discussions at a recent committee workshop, members welcomed and approved the new Forensic Services Performance Framework.  It was noted that the Framework includes examples of best practice, including target setting and agreed tolerances.

The Framework will now be used as the basis for quarterly reporting to show progress in relation to the Forensic Services key strategic objectives and monitor performance levels, including any areas for improvement.

Forensic Services Performance

Members were provided with an overview of the Forensic Services Performance Report, Q2 2023/24.  This paper reflected new format and content as agreed at a recent committee workshop, and members welcomed the improved clarity and focus provided by the new report.

Members noted that overall Q2 performance was broadly positive with a good balance of demand and capacity across the organisation.  Members also noted recent improvements in performance in relation to post-mortem toxicology, which had been raised as a concern at the previous committee meeting.  Members queried why, in several areas, priority 3 cases were showing a higher performance compared to priority 2 cases and were assured that work was being done in this area and that necessary action will be taken to improve priority 2 performance levels.

In order to understand trends, members asked that future reports include details of how many short-term sickness absences convert into long term, as opposed to the staff member returning to work.

Drug Driving / Forensic Toxicology Improvement

Members were updated on progress on the Drug Driving Toxicology Service and were advised that consideration was being given to continuing the outsourcing of some cases into 2024/25, with a likely request being put forward to Scottish Government, although it is not yet clear how much funding would be required.  Members sought clarity on the progress on the Long-Term Sustainable Model and were advised that as a result of HMICS recommendations, it is likely that there will be further iterations of the model to be developed, noting the need to discuss future demand with Police Scotland as part of that.

HMICS Assurance Review of Forensic Toxicology Provision – Improvement Plan

An update was provided on progress with the HMICS Assurance Review of Forensic Toxicology Improvement Plan and timeline for delivery.  HMICS attended the meeting and noted that a lot of very good work had been progressed, however work was still ongoing to ensure that the action being taken will fully address the original recommendations.

HMICS noted their concerns around outsourcing for next year and their desire to see more detail in the performance report about expectation levels for internal service delivery, along with what can be delivered through outsourcing.

Forensic Services Change Programme Update

Members welcomed an update on the progress against the Forensic Services Change Programme Plan and introduction to the Benefits Realisation Management Framework & Plan.  Members were encouraged to hear about the development opportunities being taken up by existing staff, noting that having available progression within an organisation is very beneficial to staff morale.

10 Year Anniversary – Cold Case Review

Members were provided with an update on the work of the Forensic Services Cold Case Review Team that was created a decade ago, and noted the importance of this work throughout the wider justice system. Along with members, both Police Scotland and the Crown Office paid tribute to the team and its work, noting that Police Scotland would not have been able to follow through on some convictions without the work of the team.

Strategic and Operational Risk

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

CONCLUSIONS/ACTIONS REACHED

Members AGREED that future reports should include details of how many short-term sickness absences convert into long term. This will give members an indication of any trends.

Members AGREED that future performance reports should provide more detail about expectation levels for internal service delivery, along with what can be delivered through outsourcing.