Reports and publications
In ensuring the quality and monitoring of standards, the role of the Regulator has a wide remit. Here you will find various relevant publications and links to associated source material.
Quality standards for forensic science service providers
In March 2009 a core set of forensic science standards were published for a three month consultation by the Forensic Science Regulator. The feedback received was used to develop a draft set of Codes of Practice and Conduct which were posted onto the website for further consultation in July 2010.
The following papers summarise the feedback forms received which the Quality Standards Specialist Group, a group set up to advise the Regulator, considered at their December 2010 meeting:
- Read the recommendations of the editorial group on the Code of Conduct
- Read the recommendations of the editorial group on the Code of Practice
The Codes have now been revised based upon the feedback forms received and the United Kingdom Accreditation Service will dry run this version with several ISO 17025 accredited organisations in February 2011. To ensure stakeholders are aware of how the Codes are developing, the working draft that will be used in the dry runs is available for download here
The Forensic Science Regulator annual report - January 2010
Andrew Rennison, the Forensic Science Regulator, publishes his first report since the position was created in February 2008.
- read a copy of the Forensic Science Regulator annual report press release
- read a copy of the Forensic Science Regulator annual report
The Forensic Science Regulator business plan 2008/09 - 2010/11
The workplan, agreed with the Forensic Science Advisory Council, will help to oversee the development and provision of forensic science quality standards to the criminal justice system.
EU framework decision on mandatory accreditation
The EU framework decision on the mandatory accreditation of DNA and fingerprint laboratory activities has been published in the Official Journal of the European Union. The policy lead for implementing the requirements set out in the framework decision now sits with the National Policing Improvement Agency who are developing a programme of work to manage the implementation.
Manual of regulation
On 29 September 2008 the Forensic Science Regulator issued a draft manual of regulation to organisations and individuals on the Regulator's stakeholder database. It sets out the high level principles proposed by the Regulator and the methods by which the Regulator intends to set and monitor quality standards in the delivery of forensic science evidence to the Criminal Justice System. It also includes some detail on other matters, for example, on complaints handling and market scrutiny, where work has already been carried out and on which the Regulator is seeking comments.
Analysis of Currency for Controlled Drugs Preliminary Report
Concerns with regard to methods employed for the analysis of currency for controlled drugs were referred to the Forensic Science Regulator. The Regulator asked for a preliminary report to be prepared to inform his decision as to whether the matter was such as to require a formal inquiry or other regulatory action. The preliminary report has been considered by the Regulator who has accepted the content and does not intend to take further action on this matter at this time.
Newsletters
Parliamentary statements
Parliamentary statements are available on The National Archive website.
The Review of the science of low template DNA analysis
The Review of the science of low template DNA analysis is available on the National Archive website.
The review of the registration of forensic practitioners
A summary of the responses received to the review of the registration of forensic practitioners can be found on The National Archives website.
Contact Us
Forensic Science Regulation Unit
3rd floor, SW Quarter, Seacole Building
2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
Telephone: 020 7035 4848
Email our public enquiries team