Forensic Services Committee

The formal minute of the public items of business will be available at the meeting scheduled for 30 October 2025. 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 – 7th August 2025

MAIN ITEMS OF BUSINESS
• Forensic Services Directors Report
• Forensic Services Annual Performance/Q1 Performance Report
• Drug Driving/Drug Driving Pilot
• Forensic Services Financial Monitoring Q1
• HMICS Assurance Review of Forensic Toxicology Provision – Improvement Plan and Timeline for Delivery
• Forensic Services Change Programme
• Refresh of Forensic Services Strategy
• Police Scotland & SPA Forensic Services Joint Biometrics Strategy
• Staff Survey – Short Life Working Group
• Forensic Services Customer Survey Update
• Digital Forensics – Next Steps and Timeline for Progression
• Operational Risk

KEY ISSUES RAISED
Forensic Services Directors Report
Members commended staffs work on Operation Portaledge (the investigation into organised gang violence in the East and West of Scotland), however, have been advised of possible disruption and slippage within other areas of performance, with anticipated increased timescales for the provision of more routine case work. Members were updated on the Westminster Commission Report on Forensic Science in England and Wales which was published in June 2025 following a visit from the commission at the start of the year. Members welcomed this update, noting that the SPA Forensics model of delivery is cited as publicly governed, multi-disciplinary and scientifically rigorous in comparison to the fragmentation and decline laid out in England and Wales. Following questioning in relation to the development of the Long-Term Sustainable model (LTSM) for Criminal Toxicology, members were advised that it will likely be summer 2026 before the full business case will return to the Resources Committee and dependent on resource being provided by Police Scotland (PS). Members have requested a report from PS to the next committee in relation to resource to support the progress of the LTSM Full Business Case.

Forensic Services Annual Performance Report
Members highlighted concerns around Post-Mortem Toxicology and issues around staff absence and were assured that there were measures in place to ensure that demand is met, by taking account of case management concerns and staff involved. Members highlighted concerns around the decrease in scene attendance and sought assurance that this did not have any detrimental impact on evidence. Members were assured this is an area of focus with room for improvement and being looked at within a short life working group to understand reasons for changes in demand. Members were advised that there is an opportunity to engage with officers at the point of joining the force to provide an overview of what forensic science can do, and although there is documentation available, forensic services are keen to engage to reinforce processes. Members commended the comprehensive and transparent data and have requested data on spoiled evidence and the impact on cases that don’t proceed through the justice system.

Forensic Services Performance Report Q1
Members recognised and were assured around the need for improvement in relation to priority 2 delivery requests. Following a lot of change within this area with direct submissions being introduced which has had a positive impact on demands placed on Police Scotland, but it is hoped that with training there should be an improvement in this area as we come into Q3/Q4.
Drug Driving
The committee had a detailed discussion and noted concerns around Police Scotland’s performance in submitting 94% of cases within the 28-day stretch target. Members were advised that there is an element of human error within this area, with a need for training to eradicate that. Members welcomed the performance of the internal team, however, sought assurance on how sustainable that would be. Members were advised that there is regular engagement between senior managers within criminal toxicology in relation to this, along with the monitoring staff wellbeing and offering support when required.

Financial Monitoring Report Q1
Members asked how an estimated additional £166K would be met to fund increased demand and were advised that Forensic Services are able to account for that withing their budget, however, it would be a pressure.
Members sought clarity on what level of confidence there is on the delivery of projects within the capital spend area. Members were assured around the processes now in place around the management of capital projects which provides a high level of confidence around the spend within the capital budget.

Drug Driving Pilot
Members were provided with a report detailing the evaluation of the Shetland Drug Wipe pilot, the forthcoming incremental expansion of drug-wipes and the current communications in place internally and across road safety. Members and HMICS highlighted concerns in relation to budget and outsourcing availability due to lack of capacity within the marketplace. In addition, members highlighted the importance of any samples from this roll out going via SPA Forensics. Members discussed the governance of the Rollout Plan and noted the importance for it to go through the Resources Committee following PS internal governance.

HMICS Assurance Review of Forensic Toxicology Provision – Improvement Plan and Timeline for Delivery
Members welcomed an update on progress on the HMICS Assurance Review of Forensic Toxicology provision and timeline for delivery. Members have requested that new target dates set for recommendations that have slipped, are circulated to members ahead of the next meeting.

Forensic Services Change Programme Update
Members received an update on progress against the Forensic Services Change Programme Plan where significant slippage in relation to FS COS & Data Migration was noted with a revised timeline. Although members were disappointed by the slippage, they also welcomed the change in approach which will lead to a better result. Members have requested that there is a clear escalation procedure in place to address delays quickly when they arise given the lengthy extension to the timeline.

Police Scotland & SPA Forensic Services Joint Biometrics Strategy
Members were provided with the draft Police Scotland & SPA Forensics Joint Biometrics Strategy and have requested more information around the intended process and timeline for public consultations. Members have requested monthly updates in relation to this area of work.

Staff Survey – Short Life Working Group Update
Members welcomed a positive update on the progress of the Staff Survey Short Life Working Group and look forward to a further update at the next committee.
Forensic Services Customer Survey Update
Members received a report which contained an update on the Forensic Services Customer Survey 2025. Members welcomed that 82% of respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with the activities performed at the scene-by-Scene Examiners. It was noted that groups 3 – 7 crime satisfaction is lower and an area requiring improvement.
Digital Forensics – Next Steps and Timeline for Progression
Members were provided with an update on Police Scotland’s progress towards obtaining ISO 17025 within Digital Forensics (DF). Chief Superintendent Andy Patrick is now leading in this work and provided members with overview of how he would like to take this area forward to make it become more efficient. Members advised that they would be keen to understand approaches taken by other forces and what learning can be gained from that. Members have requested a further update to the next committee meeting.
Operational Risk
Members were provided with the opportunity to review FS Strategic Risks.

CONCLUSIONS/ACTIONS REACHED

• Police Scotland to bring forward a report to the next committee providing an update in relation to resource to support the progress in relation to achieving the Long-Term Sustainable Model Full Business Case.
• Forensic Services to consider the inclusion of data relating to spoiled evidence and the impact on cases that don’t proceed through the justice system.
• Forensic Services to provide an update on the consequence of the investment in the outsourcing and what that means in terms of delayed investment in other areas.
• Forensic Services to circulate revised target dates for the recommendations that have slipped.
• Forensic Services to ensure there is a clear escalation procedure in place to address delays quickly when they arise given the lengthy extension to the timeline.
• Forensic Services to provide a timeline and details for the approach to consultations following discussions with SPA colleagues.
• Forensic Services to provide quarterly progress updates in relation to the Police Scotland & SPA Forensic Services Joint Biometrics Strategy going forward.
• Police Scotland to bring a further update on the Digital Forensics – Next Steps and Timeline for Progression to the next committee meeting.