Strategic Alignment

Strategic alignment Forensic Services Strategy - SO2 and SO4
Risk alignment FS130, FS130a, FS131 and FS143
Prior governance Previous updates provided to Forensic Services Committee:
• 08 May 2025
• 07 August 2025
• 30 October 2025
Stakeholder engagement Police Scotland, COPFS, Scottish Government.

Strategic alignment to Forensic Services Strategy 2025-30 and other key enabling strategies
Strategic alignment FS Strategy- SO2- We are sustainable, adaptable, and resilient to future challenges.
FS Strategy- SO4- We work collaboratively with partners to serve the needs of the public and criminal justice in Scotland.

The strategic alignment associated with this paper is contained within the FS Strategy 2025-30 as detailed at in report.

Alignment to risk register and risk appetite
Risk alignment FS 130 – Drug Driving Capacity v Demand
FS 130a – Drug Driving Capacity aligned to demand – incremental growth
FS 131 – Lack of clear demand forecast
FS 143 – Drug driving capcity to March 2026

The risks identified at 2.3 are recorded on the FS Risk Register and are managed through the Forensic Services Risk and Planning Board and, are considered through Operation Hitch.

Prior governance
Prior governance Previous updates provided to Forensic Services Committee:
• 03 February 2025
• 08 May 2025
• 07 August 2025
• 30 October 2025

Drug Driving has been subject to ongoing updates, discussions and scrutiny through the Forensic Services Committee.

In addition, activities associated with Drug Driving are monitored and scrutinised through monthly Operation Hitch meetings, attended by Police Scotland, Forensic Services, Scottish Government and COPFS.

Stakeholder engagement
Stakeholder engagement Police Scotland, COPFS, Scottish Government.

Formal engagement, with the stakeholders identified at 2.8, is undertaken through Monthly Op Hitch meetings.