Background

Our Forensic Services strategy, as refreshed in 2021, sets out our approach to delivering excellence in forensic science for a safe and resilient Scotland and provides a clear vision as to how we can continue to provide excellent forensic services which remain at the cutting edge of scientific and technological advances whilst delivering a value for money high quality service which better meets the needs of our criminal justice partners and the expectations of the Scottish public.

The Change programme consists of specific key projects which are directly aligned to and underpin the successful delivery of our strategic outcomes;

Our People are supported through a positive working environment, enabling them to provide excellent forensic services

We are sustainable, adaptable and prepared for future challenges

We deliver high quality, ethical services; and lead in order to advance forensic science

We work collaboratively with partners to serve the needs of the public & criminal justice in Scotland

The Change Programme projects build upon our successful crime scene to court operating model and deliver key outcomes to leave us best placed to deliver on our strategic outcomes as detailed above. The current change programme projects are:                       

New Operating Model Project;

Access to Laboratory Services Project;

Deployment of Scene Examination Project;

Core Operating System Project and;

Data Governance Project

Project Weaver (transition of Post Mortem Toxicology from University of Glasgow to Forensic Services

Whilst there is an immediate focus on the above key projects our change agenda also seeks develop our current and future research and innovation activities into a co-ordinated Research and Innovation programme fully aligned to our strategic objectives.

Effective engagement with our people and collaboration with our partners remain critical success factors for our change programme and we will continue to build upon existing engagement strategies as well as identifying new opportunities as we progress through the implementation phases of the various projects.

Professional Development: The established Management Development Programme continues to be delivered to managers within Forensic Services.  This programme outlines key expectations of managers on topics such as leading change, building high performing teams, giving feedback, coaching skills and priority management.  As we move forward with the implementation of our new operating model, we are building bespoke year 1 management development plans for those who are transitioning from specialist scientific roles to line management positions for the first time as well as on boarding training for those colleagues who are new to our organisation.

Our external Partner Taylor Clarke Consultancy Limited continues to deliver coaching support which underpins the successful integration of the new members of the Senior Management Team, with recent sessions focused on establishing the culture, values and behaviours associated with a high performing leadership team.

Value of Forensic Science:  SPA Forensic Services is committed to working with our partners to ensure that we collectively maximise opportunities for forensic science outcomes to add real value in the prevention, investigation and detection of crime and non-crime incidents.  The most recent meeting of the Forensic Science Value working group was held on 12 December 2022 at which possible next steps for dedicated research activity supported by the Leverhulme Institute were discussed