Forensic Services Committee

MAIN ITEMS OF BUSINESS

• Forensic Services Directors Report
• Forensic Services performance Report Q4
• Drug Driving
• Forensic Services Financial Monitoring Q4
• HMICS Assurance Review of Forensic Toxicology Provision – Improvement Plan and Timeline for Delivery
• Forensic Services Change Programme
• Refresh of Forensic Services Strategy
• Forensic Services Strategic Workforce Plan
• Staff Survey – Short Life Working Group
• Joint Assurance Review of the acquisition, retention, use and destruction of DNA for criminal justice and police purposes in Scotland
• Strategic Risk

KEY ISSUES RAISED

Forensic Services Directors Report

Members welcomed and paid tribute to the team for the progress made in relation to the final phase of implementation of the Operating Model. Members were also updated on a visit by Forensic Alliance Wales to Gartcosh to understand the learning from Scotland in relation our model of delivery for Forensic Science. Members were advised that this was an opportunity to share learning in terms of leadership and culture. Members were assured that the Drug Driving Full Business Case was now being prioritised with productive discussions taking place with Police Scotland colleagues.

Forensic Services Performance Report Q4

Members welcomed a positive Forensic Services Performance Report for Q4 2024/25, particularly in relation to firearms. Members sought assurance around urgent case work targets not being met for postmortem toxicology and were advised that there have been some issues in relation to instrumentation and staff absence, however, it is hoped that improvements will be shown within the upcoming months. Members noted concerns around overdue timescales in relation to laboratory delivery and were assured that there are no risks to cases being time barred, with ongoing dialogue with partners taking place in relation to this area.

Drug Driving

Members were advised that whilst demand had increased by 18% it is currently balanced with a combination of internal output and outsourcing support. Performance remains strong both for Section 5A and Section 4 cases, resulting in good compliance to MoU targets and no cases at risk of being time barred. During discussions around the MoU, Police Scotland advised that although they are committed to the MoU, when offences are encountered there is a need to deal with them and bring people to justice. Forensic Services assured members that they share the ambition of Police Scotland to roll out roadside testing further, however, in the absence of a Long-Term Sustainable Model (LTSM), there is a need for further discussions around the medium-term plan and what can be done to manage that whilst dealing with costs in relation to additional outsourcing. Members were advised that although there have been no risks raised by the outsourcing organisation, there is also no potential at this stage to work with other providers due to their non-compliance with GDPR and lack of capacity. Members sought clarity around the communications plan in relation to Drug Driving and Police Scotland have committed to providing a written update on what is being done in terms of communications and partners in this area. Members continued to ask if there was any opportunity to reduce timescales for the LTSM and have been advised that with a project team now established and it is hoped that timescales will become clearer. Members noted concerns around prioritisation in this area and were assured that conversations have progressed this month with the project teams Terms of Reference is now in place.

Financial Monitoring Report Q4

Members welcomed a report detailing the financial position of Forensic Services for Period 11 (28 February 2025) of the financial year 2024/25. Members welcomed the £0.5m underspend on revenue, however, noted concerns around the 50% underspend on capital. It was noted a need for lessons learned in this area and how capital spend is being managed across FS.

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

Members welcomed a positive update on progress on the HMICS Assurance Review of Forensic Toxicology provision and timeline for delivery. Members were advised that 12 of the 25 recommendations had now been closed with progress being made on the remaining outstanding recommendations.

Forensic Services Change Programme Update

Members welcomed an update on progress against the Forensic Services Change Programme Plan. Members spoke about the Forensic Services Core Operating System (FS COS) and sought clarity on the thinking around data storage (cloud based or server-based solution). Members were assured that there had been detailed discussions with digital and procurement colleagues at PS with FS committed to getting the best solutions for data storage. Members were further assured that the voice of stakeholders and learning from DESC has been taken into consideration, however, FS remain openminded to ensure that the system agreed on is fit for purpose.

Refresh of Forensic Services Refresh

Members were provided with the Forensic Strategy 2025-2030 and have recommended it to the Authority Meeting for approval with the caveat that it is updated to include the Policing Plan, which supports the FS Strategy.

Forensic Services Strategic Workforce Plan Update

Members welcomed an update on work to develop a strategic workforce plan for Forensic Services which is on track to deliver in September 2025. The committee look forward to receiving sight of the full plan to the October 2025 committee.

Staff Survey – Short Life Working Group Update
Members welcomed an update on the progress of the Staff Survey Short Life Working Group and will welcome a further update to the committee in August 2025.

Joint Assurance Review of the acquisition, retention, use and destruction of DNA for criminal justice and police purposes in Scotland

Members were joined by Brian Plastow, Scottish Biometrics Commissioner, who provided an overview of this joint review that was laid before parliament in February 2025, and the recommendations contained. Brian Plastow advised that the strategic conclusion is that DNA is being used lawfully, effectively and ethically, however, there is a need for Police Scotland to strengthen some of the governance around this area. It was agreed that the reporting of the recommendations would be considered by SPA officers.

Strategic Risk

Members were provided with the opportunity to review FS Strategic Risks.

CONCLUSIONS/ACTIONS REACHED

• Police Scotland to provide a written update on what is being done in terms of a communications plan in relation to Drug Driving and what is being done with partners in this area.

• Forensic Services Strategy to be updated to include reference to the Policing Plan which supports the Strategy.

• SPA Officers to confirm where the progress of recommendations noted within the Joint Assurance Review of the acquisition, retention, use and destruction of DNA for criminal justice and police purposes in Scotland should be reported.