Forensic Services Committee - 30 October 2025

The formal minute of the public items of business will be available at the meeting scheduled for 5 February 2026. This will also be published on the SPA’s website. A full recording of the public items of business taken at this meeting can be accessed at Forensic Services Committee – 30th October 2025

MAIN ITEMS OF BUSINESS
• Forensic Services Directors Report
• Forensic Services Performance Report Q2
• Drug Driving/Incremental Rollout of Roadside Testing
• Forensic Services Financial Monitoring Q2
• Long-Term Sustainable Model – Resource Update
• HMICS Assurance Review of Forensic Toxicology Provision – Improvement Plan and Timeline for Delivery
• Forensic Services Change Programme
• Research Development and Innovation Strategy
• Digital Forensics – Next Steps and Timeline for Progression
• Strategic Workforce Plan
• Strategic and Operational Risk

KEY ISSUES RAISED
Forensic Services Directors Report

The committee welcomed and endorsed the Forensic Service Annual Review 2024/25 which detailed activity undertaken last year including the Scottish Parliament reception, Delivery of Corporate Parenting plan, Launch of Drug Driving MOU, Shetland Drug Driving Pilot, Conferences, and much more. Members were also assured that the staff survey working group has continued to meet to discuss activity being progressed following feedback received from staff in the 2024 survey, a fuller update which will highlight themes identified will come to the next committee meeting. Members were assured that the Forensic Services Health and Safety Business Plan had been updated and includes the improvement work identified following internal and external review of our management arrangements. Members were informed on issues identified and actions taken following recent external review by Viridis on Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH). Members were assured that comprehensive health and safety improvement work is underway to ensure that documentation is up to date and accessible for staff.

Forensic Services Performance Report Q2

Members welcomed improvements in relation to caseload for Volume Crime Unit (VCU) due to focus, professionalism and dedication of managers and staff, along with necessary training around reporting which has made this significant improvement. Members were advised that there is a need to review of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) targets as forensic services do not think 21 days is achievable at this point. Members welcomed the expansion of the Psychological Supervision work across operational areas of the organisation and work with an external organisation for their expertise in that area, with regular assessments to measure individuals and their resilience. Members welcomed the reporting of near misses and were assured around the benefits that can bring to the organisation, staff and crime scene examinations by having that preventative approach.
Drug Driving

Members welcomed improvements with internal performance, however, noted concerns on delayed cases which had arisen due to the late submission of samples by Police Scotland. Members were assured by Forensic Services that discussions are ongoing in relation to this matter. Police Scotland also confirmed that a breakdown of the failures in relation to the late submission of samples had been requested internally and that this area will continue to be monitored.

Financial Monitoring Report Q2

Members were provided with a report detailing the financial position of Forensic Services for Q2 2025/26. Members were advised that a number of areas of the operating model had not been progressed due to not having the full investment. This will have an impact on the benefits realisation, and the committee will be updated in the new year about what has not been progressed.

Incremental Rollout of Roadside Testing

Members welcomed a clear report on the forthcoming incremental expansion of drug-wipes within Police Scotland, and ongoing performance information in relation to growth and demand. Members were advised that there had been a £90,000 investment to cover costs of demand for A and U Division, however, there may need to be a need to go back to finance partners to see if the allocation can be increased, only if required.

Long-Term Sustainable Model – Resource Update

On behalf of Police Scotland, Forensic Services provided members with some reassurance in relation to resourcing for the development of the full business case for the Long-Term Sustainable Model for Criminal Toxicology services, including Drug Driving.

HMICS Assurance Review of Forensic Toxicology Provision – Improvement Plan and Timeline for Delivery

Members received a further positive progress update on the HMICS Assurance Review of Forensic Toxicology provision and timeline for delivery. HMICS themselves, recognised the importance of reflecting on the journey that Forensic Services have been on and the positive progress that has been made. The committee will welcome a further update to the Q4 meeting.

Forensic Services Change Programme Update

Members welcomed a very positive report and were assured by Forensic Services confidence that delivery timescales will be met, although a concerted effort will be required from staff to prioritise this piece.

Research Development and Innovation Strategy

Although from a financial perspective there are a lot of unknowns, the committee welcomed and approved the Research Development and Innovation Strategy. Members were assured by the stakeholder and staff engagement that took place to shape the strategy.

Digital Forensics – Next Steps and Timeline for Progression

Police Scotland provided members with an update on Digital Forensics and informed the committee on their intention to pause work towards obtaining ISO 17025. Members agreed the pause was necessary, however, have requested timelines, an understanding on how the critical nature of risk has been managed, along with further key updates relating to the future vision of Digital Forensics.

Strategic Workforce Plan

Members welcomed an overview of the Forensic Services Strategic Workforce Plan which outlined next steps. A further version of the plan will come to the next committee meeting for approval.

Strategic and Operational Risk

Members were provided with the opportunity to review Forensic Services Operational and Strategic Risks.

CONCLUSIONS/ACTIONS REACHED

Members AGREED the need for a further update from Police Scotland noting timelines, an understanding on how the critical nature of risk has been managed and further key updates relating to the future vision of Digital Forensics.