Specialist groups

Find out how the Forensic Science Regulator has set up specialist groups, and what role these groups will play.

The Forensic Science Regulator has created several specialist groups to advise on specific areas of forensic science and to undertake studies within their areas of expertise.

The Specialist Groups are:

The DNA Analysis Specialist Group

This group reviews the standards in place as they apply to the National DNA Database and forensic DNA analysis more generally.

• view the membership of the DNA Analysis Specialist Group
• read the minutes from the fourth meeting held on 25 March 2009
• read the minutes from the fifth meeting held on 10 November 2009
• read the minutes from the sixth meeting held on 4 March 2010
• read the minutes from the seventh meeting held on 18 May 2010.

The Quality Standards Specialist Group 

This group supports the Regulator and the Forensic Science Advisory Council by providing advice on all matters related to the preparation, implementation and monitoring of quality standards within the remit of the Regulator.

• view the membership of the quality specialist group
• read the minutes from the seventh meeting held on 25 March 2010
• read the minutes from the eighth meeting held on 17 June 2010.

The Digital Forensics Specialist Group

This group assists in identifying requirements for new or improved quality standards, applying to the provision of digital forensics services to the police service and the wider CJS.

• view the membership of the digital forensics group
• read the minutes from the third meeting held on 25 February 2009
  

The End User Specialist Group 

This group supports the Regulator and the Forensic Science Advisory Council by undertaking a one-off study, leading to the specification of an end-user requirement for forensic science services.

• view the membership of the end-user specialist group 
  

The Forensic Pathology Specialist Group

This group supports the Regulator and the Forensic Science Advisory Council by providing advice on forensic pathology quality standards, reviewing current standards, proposing remedies for any shortcomings, developing and publishing guidance.

• view the membership of the Forensic Pathology Specialist Group
• read the minutes from the second meeting held on 26 February 2009
• read the minutes from the third meeting held on 22 June 2009
• read the minutes from the fourth meeting held on 20 September 2009

The Practitioner Standards Specialist Group

This group reviewed the accreditation of practitioners, assessed and advised on preparation, implementation and monitoring of practitioner standards.  It has now completed its work.

• view the membership of the practitioner standards specialist group
  

Evidence Assessment Specialist Group

This group supports the Regulator and the Forensic Advisory Council by providing advice on and developing standards for the assessment, interpretation and presentation of forensic science evidence used in the criminal justice system.

• view the membership of the Evidence Assessment Specialist Group

Contamination Specialist Group

This group supports the Regulator and the Forensic Advisory Council by providing advice on and developing standards for the identification, avoidance, management and control of contamination of exhibits, or other evidence, at all stages of the forensic process. 

• view the membership of the Contamination Specialist Group
• read the minutes from the first meeting held on 29 October 2009
• read the minutes from the second meeting held on 11 May 2010

Fingerprint Quality Standards Specialist Group

This group supports the Regulator through reviewing current options for quality fingerprint standards, the consideration of ongoing fingerprint competence training and providing advice on all matters related to the future preparation, implementation and monitoring of fingerprint quality standards within the remit of the Regulator.

• view the membership of the Fingerprint Quality Standards Specialist Group
• read the minutes from the first meeting held on 2 July 2010
• read the minutes from the second meeting held on 23 September 2010