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