Further Detail

Performance remains strong for the most urgent requests from partners, for scene attendance and laboratory analysis. This work mainly includes Group 1 (crimes of violence), group 2 (sexual offences) and non-crime (including unexplained deaths).

Capacity and demand are largely aligned across Forensic Services; however, timeliness targets are not being met in the Volume Crime DNA workflow. Challenges seen earlier this year in the priority 2 have continued into Q2, largely due to changes in workflow, essential staff training and consolidation of the Operating Model. An improvement has already been seen in October, and this is anticipated to continue into Q3 and beyond.

Health and Safety activity is a focus across Forensic Services as work continues with partners to identify a resolution to the estates requirements at the Scottish Crime Campus, linked to the introduction of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) system. Work also continues to address recommendations raised through an external review performed earlier in 2025.

People metrics are considered through internal governance arrangements and sickness absence and working days lost reported in the Forensic Services Committee Performance Report. No significant issues are identified in this report and absence remains low in comparison to Police Scotland and other public sector organisations.

Work continues across Forensic Services to support the quality management system with assessment by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) commencing this month. Assessment against the International Standard ISO17025 is important in demonstrating assurance and confidence in the science delivered by Forensic Services to our partners and the public.