Report Summary
This report provides members of the Scottish Police Authority People Committee with an annual overview of strategic workforce related matters within Forensic Services (2025/26). This was presented for discussion at the meeting on 4 December 2025.
To access the full document please open the PDF document above.
To view as accessible content please use the sections below. (Note that tables and some appendixes are not available as accessible content).
Meeting
The publication discussed was referenced in the meeting below
People Committee - 4 December 2025
Date : 04 December 2025
Location : Online
Background
The refreshed Forensic Strategy 25-30 was approved at the Authority Board meeting in May 2025 and reflects the vital contribution forensic science makes to the delivery of justice across Scotland. Four new strategic outcomes and supporting objectives are outlined in the Strategy, with an emphasis on our people in Strategic Outcome 1, as outlined below:-
Strategic Outcome 1 - Our people are empowerered to provide excellent forensic science in a positive working environment
Strategic Objectives
Develop our culture to ensure that everyone can be at their best, valuing our differences
Demonstrate inclusive leadership that promotes respect for all our people
Provide training and development that supports collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement
At the August 2024 People Committee, it was agreed that Forensic Services would provide an Annual People Report to provide Members with updates on matters of strategic relevance. The proposed approach aims to report proportionately and transparently to the People Committee, while also ensuring the Forensic Services Committee objectives and reporting requirements are also met.
Services back arrangements are in place, with HR, Health & Safety, Procurement, Estates and other services provided by Police Scotland to Forensic Services. Therefore, Forensic Services are included in the Police Scotland reporting to the People Committee, e.g. Workforce Dashboard, Health, Safety & Wellbeing updates. Therefore, to avoid duplication, this report highlights key strategic matters relevant to Forensic Services.
During 2025/26 significant activity in the People space has been progressed- Strategic Workforce Planning; Staff Survey activity; Health, Safety and Wellbeing; Leadership and Management Development; Corporate Parenting; introduction of Modern Apprenticeships. More detail is provided below.
