Report detail

BACKGROUND
Forensic Strategy 2025-2030 supersedes the Forensic Strategy September 2021, which was approved by the Authority Board on 29th September 2021 and is published on the SPA website. Forensic Strategy 2025-2030 reflects the vital contribution forensic science makes to the delivery of justice throughout Scotland.

Building on the methodology used to create the previous strategy, we carried out extensive engagement to inform the strategy. This involved a two-tiered approach.

First of all, a survey of senior internal members of Forensic Services and all our key partners and stakeholders. These included Police Scotland, COPFS, PIRC, HMICS, the Biometrics Commissioner’s Office, members of SPA Corporate and members of the Forensic Services Committee, the chair of the SPA, professional bodies, trade unions and members of legal defence groups. We included more than twice as many internal members of staff than previously in this survey.

Secondly, we carried out five workshops, one for each of the Forensic Services laboratory offices, and invited all our people managers - with around 50 being available to take part – to represent the views of their teams.

This gave an opportunity to all managers across Forensic Services to take part in either the survey or a workshop – giving a voice to a far larger number of people across Forensic Services than previously. We appreciate all the survey responses and comments in the workshops and the refreshed strategy reflects these outputs.

FURTHER DETAIL ON REPORT TOPIC

There was consistent support for keeping the previous Values, Vision, and Purpose for the Forensic Strategy 2025-2030. There was also a consensus that the Strategic outcomes and objectives needed updating.

It is recognised that Forensic Services has undergone a period of considerable change. The refreshed strategy recognises this and reflects that it is now the time for a period of consolidation as we roll out the final phase of our New Operating Model and embed the benefits from our new and more flexible ways of working.

The four new strategic outcomes and supporting objectives are:

Our people are empowered to provide excellent forensic services in a positive working environment

• 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

We are sustainable, adaptable, and resilient to future challenges

• Provide high-quality, flexible forensic services that meet the changing needs of communities and partners
• Embed environmental sustainability into all decision making
• Embrace technological innovation to advance forensic science

We deliver high-quality and ethical services through innovative forensic science

• Drive research, development, and innovation to improve forensic science and delivery of our services
• Ensure the highest standards of ethical behaviours and impartiality at all times
• Deliver best value and continuous improvement to partners and customers

 
We work collaboratively with partners to serve the needs of the public and Criminal Justice in Scotland

• Prioritise work effectively in collaboration with partners to maximise the value of forensic science
• Invest in our partnerships to improve criminal justice and public health outcomes
• Promote the value that Forensic Services deliver for the people of Scotland

LAUNCHING THE FORENSIC STRATEGY 2025-2030

Once the Forensic Strategy 2025-2030 is approved by the Authority Board, the Director of Forensic Services will send a copy to all the external stakeholders and colleagues who were involved in supporting the creation of the Strategy and thank them for their involvement.

All the managers will be asked to engage with their teams on the part they play in delivering the outcomes of the strategy. These updated outcomes and objectives will be central in the development of everyone’s personal objectives as part their MyCareer conversations.

REPORTING PROGRESS AGAINST THE STRATEGY

Forensic Services’ progress against the Forensic Strategy 2025-2030 will be reported quarterly in public at the SPA Forensics Services Committee.

We will report against our Two-Year Business Plan which has detailed Key Performance Indicators which are set out in our published Performance Framework.