Further Detail on Report Topic

On 13th July 2022, HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary Scotland (HMICS) published the Terms of Reference for their Assurance
Review with the aim to ‘assess the state, efficiency and effectiveness of the arrangements in relation to the processes which
are in place for obtaining, analysing and reporting toxicology samples obtained for Section 4 and Section 5A Road Traffic Act 1988
cases’.

HMICS has concluded their detailed Assurance Review and published their report on their findings on 25th April 2023.
HMICS made 25 recommendations for improvement, highlighting a number of key areas including strategy, planning, process,
management, reporting, scrutiny and prevention in relation to drugs driving.

In response to the publication of the HMICS report, Forensic Services, SPA and Police Scotland developed action plans to address
the recommendations where the organisations were the identified Action Leads.

Good progress continues to be made in terms of Forensic Services, SPA and Police Scotland addressing the recommendations,
although some of the estimated delivery dates have been extended.

A detailed update was provided to the Forensic Services Committee on 30 October 2023.

Since that date, further progress has been made in relation to the recommendations, with an update provided to HMICS in December
2023. A further update will be provided to HMICS during January 2024.

The appendix provides a summary of updates regarding recommendations since the previous report to the Forensic Services Committee.