Programme Delivery Headlines

• Operating Model – Toxicology: We continue to focus on realising the longer terms benefits of an integrated Toxicology service delivering operational resilience across both the Post-Mortem and Criminal Toxicology areas within Forensic Services. The initial business case for our long-term sustainable model for Toxicology was presented to SPA Resources Committee in December 2024 and positively received.  Planning for funding continues.

• Operating Model: Our capability structure is becoming fully embedded across the organisation with mixed discipline teams now established at all sites.  The new Search & Recovery Laboratories at Aberdeen and Edinburgh received a positive recommendation for accreditation at the recent assessment undertaken by our external accrediting body UKAS. Plans are now in place for the transition commence live case working at these laboratories.  Casework routing maps being developed to maximise synergy of capabilities and resource allocation across Forensic Services, are nearing completion.

• Operating Model: Phase 4 of our Operating Model implementation will commence April 2025. Phase 4 will focus on consolidation of the operating model with both our people and partners, along with planning for transition to business as usual and focusing on benefits realisation. 

• FS COS & Data Migration: Development of the Full Business Case (FBC) for our core operating system continues to progress in collaboration with Police Scotland Digital Division. Building on previous market engagement activity, a refreshed market sounding initiative has been completed to further FBC development. Validation processes are now in place to finalise functional and non-functional system requirements for inclusion in the invitation to tender document (ITT) due for completion in the next few months.