Project Update – Access to Laboratory Services

The project aims will revise the mechanisms by which requests for forensic analysis and reporting activity are received into Forensic Services.  The revised requesting format will provide greater clarity on submission to ensure that scientific staff are equipped with the necessary information required to deliver independent, impartial and informed forensic strategies in support of the criminal justice process across Scotland.
Specifically the project objectives are;

To develop a revised streamlined submission process for requests for forensic analysis which removes downstream inefficiency underpinned by a fit for purpose Forensic Request Form

To ensure that scientific staff have all the information they require, at the right time, in an accessible format at each stage of the forensic process e.g. to make routing decisions and set internal forensic strategies

To provide partners with appropriate scientific guidance to aid and support effective and efficient decision making when submitting requests for forensic analysis and reporting activity.
Update since last Forensic Services Committee

The revised submission request process and accompanying documentation has now been approved by all internal and external stakeholders.  The new request process is on track for go-live 31 January 2023 and appropriate communication and engagement plans have been delivered to ensure business readiness for implementation.  Formal project closure reporting and mapping of benefits realisation will take place Q4 2022/23.