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Issued by the News Distribution Service on behalf of the Forensic Science RegulatorAndrew Rennison, the Forensic Science Regulator, today publishes his first report since the position was created in February 2008. The report records achievements to date and revises the Regulator’s Business Plan, which was published last year for the period 2008-2011.

The role of the Regulator is to establish and monitor compliance with quality standards for the provision of forensic science services to the criminal justice system. Following a formal consultation exercise, a programme of work has been commenced to develop a modern and effective quality standards framework. The report sets out the Regulator’s plans for the next four years in embedding the new standards framework.

Mr Rennison said:

“Science is commonly used in the investigation, prosecution and defence of cases across the UK criminal justice system. The forensic science stakeholders, investigators, prosecutors, defence teams and the courts quite rightly expect this science to be valid, reliable and up to standard.

“With continued collaboration and a commitment to work together, I am confident that we will continue to achieve the high quality science that is routinely used in our criminal justice systems and develop a single and effective quality standards framework around that science, and to jointly manage the risks that may arise if those high goals are not achieved.”

FSS001/2009


Notes for Editors:

1. The Forensic Science Regulator is a public appointee whose function is to ensure that the provision of forensic science services across the criminal justice system is subject to an appropriate regime of scientific quality standards.
2. His remit covers England and Wales. However, from the outset the authorities in Scotland and Northern Ireland recognised the need for a UK-wide approach to quality standards and agreed to work with him in developing a single standards framework that meets the stakeholders’ requirements.
3. Forensic science services to the criminal justice system are provided in a commercial environment involving a number of companies.

Contacts:

NDS Enquiries
Phone: For enquiries please contact the above department
ndsenquiries@coi.gsi.gov.uk