27 March 2008

The Forensic Science Regulator Business Plan 2008/09 – 2010/11

The Business Plan agreed with the Forensic Science Advisory Council has now been approved by Home Office Ministers. A copy of the Business Plan is available on our website (see link below). The Business Plan describes the purpose and role of the Regulator, governance, structure and costs.

Purpose of the Regulator

To support and enhance the contribution made by suppliers of forensic science services to the effectiveness of the Criminal Justice System.

Objectives for 2008/09

These are based on the need to establish the processes used by the Regulator and an initial assessment of risk to the CJS of forensic science processes.

• To develop a Manual of Regulation
• To undertake a comprehensive risk assessment of the forensic processes
• To establish the User Requirement for forensic science services from the perspective of courts
• To establish overarching validation standards
• To provide advice on use of forensic DNA profiling
• To create standards governing the production of digital forensics
• To establish the appropriate vehicle for achieving quality standards in forensic pathology
• To undertake ad-hoc special reviews
• To review of the operation of the regulatory function and test its effectiveness