FORENSIC SERVICES DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Members considered the report which provided an update on the recent key activities across Forensic Services. Fiona Douglas (FDouglas) highlighted a number of key points as detailed in the paper.

In discussion the following matters were raised:
• Regarding the demand drug driving toxicology, Members questioned how the financial risk will be managed in year. FDouglas advised that the risk will be mitigated through additional outsourcing to ensure statutory time limits are met.
• Members sought assurance that there are adequate resources from all partners to ensure the long-term sustainable model meets timelines. FDouglas confirmed the project board has been stood up and the project is prioritised. Members were told it was too early to give assurance on meeting timescales, but the group were working against the timescales reported to the Resources Committee - an FBC developed by the end of the financial year.
• Members sought comment on what outcomes came out of the knowledge exchange event. FDouglas confirmed multiple stakeholders were involved in the discussion, with interesting insights on how digital forensics and more traditional forensics can work together. Members heard the event was helpful to the development of the Research and Innovation Strategy.
• Members sought comment on the final stage of implementation of the operating model. FDouglas advised this was the 4th phase which focuses on implemented changes, work on how drug cases are progressed and fingerprint digitalisation.

Members noted the report.