Transparency data

Medical forensics specialist group minutes: 3 February 2025

Updated 2 July 2025

Note of the meeting held on 3rd February 2025 in 23 Stephenson Street, Birmingham and online via MS Teams.

1. Welcome and introductions

1.1. The Chair welcomed the members to the second meeting of the FSR’s Medical Forensics Specialist Group (MFSG) of the Statutory Regulator’s remit. A list of attendees by organisation is available at Annex A.

1.2. As there were new members since the last MFSG meeting, all members provided a brief introduction as to who they were and the organisation they were representing.

2. Minutes and actions

2.1. The action log was reviewed with relevant updates provided to the group. Resulting in a review of the actions.

2.2. The minutes from the last meeting were reviewed, with some corrections and clarifications made. The key decisions were:

• There was a discussion on whether the term “gauge” or “engage” volunteers was appropriate. It was agreed to use “engage” as volunteers were already available for the custody working group.
• The third bullet point regarding the Purple Book needed correction. It should reference the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, not the Royal Australasians.
• Minor typographical errors were corrected, such as moving the apostrophe in “National Police Chiefs Council” and removing a hyphen before “5.”
• The mountain healthcare representative clarified that a statement in the minutes was raising a risk, not stating a position. This was amended accordingly within the meeting.

2.3. The group agreed on the corrections and clarifications made to the minutes.

ACTION 1: OFSR to finalise and publish minutes of the last MFSG meeting held in June 2024.

3. Draft terms of reference (ToR) - sign off

3.1. The group reviewed the draft Terms of Reference (ToR) for the MFSG and suggested amendments and comments. This would be reflected in the document and re-shared with the members. Grammatical and punctuation amendments were made during the meeting/review of the document.

3.2. Key changes to the terms of reference were as follows:

• The clarification of the abbreviation ‘MFSG’ within the document as it is used throughout.

• The addition of the phraseology ‘the Regulator has the right to attend any of the Specialist Group meetings’, as currently the ToR states the FSR as a member which doesn’t accurately reflect the FSR’s role within the group.

• The amendment of ‘medical forensic examinations’ to ‘forensic medical examinations’ which could be abbreviated FME, as the term forensic medical examiner isn’t generally used anymore.

• The amendment of terminology regarding professions within the forensic medical community and organisations represented within the MFSG.

• The group agreed to review the terms of reference every two years to ensure that they still accurately reflect the remit and membership of the group.

ACTION 2: OFSR to finalise and publish updated ToR for the MFSG.

4. Workplan for 2025/26

4.1. The group reviewed the workplan and the representative from the Office of the Forensic Science Regulator (OFSR) highlighted to the group again the structure and timeline of the workplan.

4.2. The OFSR representative highlighted that the only outstanding action was to categorise the workstreams to ensure that the work carried out are fulfilling the necessary requirements.

4.3. The members of the MFSG discussed the pieces of work on the work plan at length, the main points of the discussion were:

• Consultation on Version 2 of the Code: This is complete, and now awaiting the publication of Version 2.

• Guidance Documents: The group will review and update existing guidance documents based on the new version of the code. This process is expected to start around October-November 2025.

• Custody Working group running and developing guidance for custody settings in December 2024. With the aim to have the guidance complete by autumn/winter 2025, with scope for a public consultation prior to publication.

ACTION 3: OFSR to update the workplan to review at the next meeting in September 2025.

Declarations guidance

4.4. Main points were:

• Table put together to cover all the areas that the SARC would potentially have in scope for accreditation and set criteria for how the SARC can demonstrate their compliance.

• Table breaking down the areas of compliance was shared within the community early 2025 for feedback. No feedback was provided.

• SARC compliance survey will be distributed to SARCs soon from the OFSR to determine whether SARCs can use the criteria before determining the next best steps.
• Suggested to share the table with members of the TWG to provide any feedback, which generated the following action:

ACTION 4: OFSR to circulate draft declaration guidance as presented in the FCN newsletter to the group for feedback

• It was suggested for the group to aim for completion of the declaration guidance by summer 2025 and completion of the compliance survey by end of April 2025.

Interpretation SG update

4.5. The havens representative whom also sits on the FSR’s Interpretation SG as the representative for the MFSG, provided an update to the members regarding the group’s progress. The key points of the update were:

• Interpretation SG has been established to focus on the interpretation across different forensic science activities, particularly within reporting. Increasing the consistency of interpretation between different forensic science activities.

• Group has been established for over a year and has met 6 times. The group has representatives from different forensic specialities and the inclusion of legal representatives to assist with the work produced by the SG.

• Currently the group is working on a high level overarching interpretation guidance document with the plan to have this document finalised within Spring 2025 so that each FSA specific group can then tailor the guidance to their specific specialty.

• MFSG has a lot of work to do regarding interpretation as the language used is cross cutting and has different meanings/connotations and with the practice differing from other FSAs

5. OFSR update

5.1 The OFSR representative highlighted to the members that version 2 of the code was currently awaiting its publication slot and that the accreditation deadline for SARCs will remain 2nd October 2025.

5.2. The OFSR representative also highlighted the following key points:

• The Regulator has visited South Wales Police SARC to hear their views and to get a feel of where they are within their journey to accreditation which links with the compliance survey that the OFSR will send out later this month.

• There will be regular meetings and updates with key stakeholders as the accreditation journey progresses before the Regulator’s term ends July 2025.

• The OFSR showed the members an organogram of the biology portfolio which contains the specialist groups and working groups. Describing how each group links in with each other and the other FSR SG’s namely, the interpretation SG and the Incident Examination SG.

• An update regarding the MFSG’s work and remit was given at the latest meeting of the biology SG which is the overarching SG within the biology portfolio.

• In the future the plan is to bring significant referrals that the OFSR are dealing with to the group, as discussed within the latest biology SG meeting.

6. Accreditation update

United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS)

6.1. The UKAS representative shared an update to the members, the following points were raised:

• The UKAS representative highlighted that the October 2025 deadline for SARC accreditation is fast approaching, so with this UKAS are still offering drop-in sessions to assist with gaining accreditation by that time.
• The representative shared their positive view regarding the number of new facilities, updated facilities, quality management systems and resources being put into place at SARCs to reach accreditation by October 2025. However, there is still a worry as a large amount of SARCs are not in the position to have assessments done, despite this some assessments have already been carried out.
• The concern with the status of self-referral samples, particularly with the issues of retention and sample handling was shared with the members but have been reassured with the statement regarding self-referral samples from the FFLM.

Forensic Capability Network (FCN)

6.2. The FCN representative presented to members of the MFSG their current and future workstreams. Key pieces of work included:

• Verification of Processes: Recommendations paper on verifying SARC processes is nearly ready. It includes detailed documentation and a verification report template.
• Competency Assessment: Successful pilot using anatomical dummies and UV gels for competency assessment. This method is being rolled out across SARCs.
• Live Casework Data: Ongoing pilot collecting live casework data from various forms and reports. This data will support validations and competency assessments.
• Proficiency Testing: Collaboration with Fines for proficiency testing using vinyl surfaces and anatomical dummies. A collaborative learning exercise is being rolled out nationally.
• DNA Elimination Database: Recommendations paper and guidance document published. Webinar planned for 13th February to address staff concerns.
• Shared Learning: Several papers submitted for publication, including cleaner validation and assessment of DNA within SARC environments.
• Mobile SARCs: Funding bid unsuccessful, but the project continues to seek funding.
• Real-Time Environmental Monitoring: Exploring the feasibility of real-time environmental monitoring in SARCs.
• Compliance Support Team: Offering support to SARCs to review processes and work towards compliance.

ACTION 5: OFSR to circulate FCN stakeholder update slides to group.

7. Stakeholder updates

The Faculty of Forensic & Legal Medicine (FFLM)

7.1. The FFLM representative shared an update, which included the following key points:

• Publications: Updated evidence-based review of best practices for forensic sampling guidance. Quality standards documents updated.
• Paediatric Quality Standards: Major update published in collaboration with RCPCH, endorsed by the Royal College of Nursing.
• Specialist Status: Ongoing work towards specialist status for forensic medicine.
• Position Statement: Published position statement on self-swab testing.

Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH)

7.2. The RCPCH representative shared an update to the members, which included the following key points:

• Purple Book: Update delayed due to IT issues, expected to go live soon.
• Mandatory Reporting: College position on mandatory reporting remains cautious, emphasizing the need for guidance and defining thresholds to avoid overwhelming systems

The UK Association of Forensic Nurse and Paramedics

7.3. The UKAFNP representative shared an update to the members, which included the following points:

• Training: Greenwich University running new advanced standards in education and training for forensics. Webinar on SARC accreditation process received positive feedback

NHS England

7.4. A formal update was not provided by the NHS England representative as they had shared their apologies. However, the Chair an update to the members, that NHS England have been busy with forensic self-swab services and there have been issues regarding storage or samples and records raised.

NHS Wales

7.5 NHS Wales representative shared an update to the members, which included the following points:

• Sexual Assault Services: Implementation program moving towards operational delivery. NHS clinicians working with forensic providers in South Wales. Paediatric services in North Wales no longer being provided locally and service being commissioned to SARC in England.
• Challenges: due to low frequency of cases there are difficulties faced to maintain competencies.

Care Quality Commission (CQC)

7.6. The CQC representative shared an update to the members, the following points were raised:

• Operational Effectiveness Review: Findings from reviews highlighted low inspection levels, lack of senior clinical expertise, and the need to overhaul inspection and assessment systems.

• Recovery Program: New Chief Executive Sir Julian Hartley is addressing these priorities with a focus on leadership, expertise, and technology improvements.

• Immediate Actions: Publishing reports, carrying out more assessments, acting on information of concern, and clearing registration backlogs.

• Technology Review: An independent review has been commissioned to ensure the right systems and tools are in place to support regulatory activity.

• Future Plans: A consultation on the regulatory approach will be conducted later in the year.

National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC)

7.7. The NPCC representative shared an update to the members, the following points were raised:

• National Operating Model: Rolling out the model for investigating rape and serious sex offences across all forces in England and Wales.
• Specialist Investigator Development Program: Trailing a new program for accreditation of officers dealing with rape and serious sexual offences.
• Statistics: Rape charges are increasing slightly, victim withdrawals are decreasing, but the average time to charge remains high at 317 days.
• Court Backlog: There is a significant backlog in courts, leading to lengthy periods before cases go to trial.

Scottish Police Authority (SPA)

7.8. The SPA representative shared an update to the members, the following points were raised:

• Early Evidence Kit Videos: Developing instructional videos for early evidence sampling, with QR codes on kits for easy access. Aiming for pilot launch in late spring or early summer.

Chartered Society of Forensic Science (CSoFS)

7.9. The CSoFS representative shared that they do not have any specific updates to inform the group of at this stage. However, they expressed to the group that they are happy to volunteer for the working groups and assist in whatever way they can.

ACTION 6: OFSR to check for an update from the CSoFS and to feedback to the group

SARC Providers

Mountain healthcare

7.10. The Mountain healthcare representative shared an update to the members, the following points were raised:

• Currently looking at Streamlined Forensic Reporting for their clinicians as a collaborative exercise with the Forensic Capability Network (CN). This would be looking to implement this in one area to determine how effective this would be for clarity when receiving requests.

• The representative highlighted that they are currently facing challenges from some forces regarding SED/CED and asked the group if they are facing the same issues.

• It was also highlighted to the group that there were also challenges regarding air flow. There has been some pushback about the updated FSR guidance which includes the new air flow parameters certain SARCs are going to use ‘the inclusion of a swab in the room’ in lieu of amending their current air flow.

The Havens

7.11. The Havens representative shared an update to the members, the following points were raised:

• Currently working towards accreditation, focusing on forensic pathways, training, and staff elimination databases.

• Addressing challenges related to contamination and the retrospective validity of forensic evidence.

7.12. Updates were not provided from the following organisations:

• Criminal Case Review Commission (CCRC)
• Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)
• Police Service Northern Ireland

8. AOB

Succession planning

8.1. Chair informed the group that they will be stepping down from clinical practice in the summer, which they informed the group of within the initial meeting of the MFSG in June 2024.

8.2. The chair informed the group that they are happy to remain chair of the MFSG for the remainder of 2025, as they were unaware there would be a new Regulator in July 2025.

8.3. It was suggested to identify the next chair of the MFSG by the next meeting. An email would be sent out to the members of the group to ask if anyone would like to nominate themselves or another individual.

ACTION 8: OFSR to circulate a request for nominations to appoint a new chair of the MFSG.

Self-swabbing services

8.4. The chair highlighted to the group ongoing concerns about the service launched in Bristol. Which led the discussions on the importance of holistic care provided by SARCs and the risks associated with self-swabbing services that are establishing themselves within the UK.

ACTION 9: Chair to provide links to further media communications regarding self-swabbing.

8.5. The approximate timing of the next meeting was to be held 18th September 2025.

8.6. The chair thanked all members for attending and closed the meeting.

8.7. A log of the actions recorded during this meeting is provided as annex B.

Annex A - meeting attendees

Representatives present

In person

A representative from the Office of the Forensic Science Regulator (Biology Scientific Lead)

Online

Chair

A representative from the Forensic Capability Network (FCN)

A representative from the RCPCH

A representative from The Haven’s Children & Young People’s service

A representative from NPCC RASSO

A representative from the FFLM

A representative from UKAFNP

A representative from CQC

A representative from CSoFS

A representative from Mountain HealthCare

A representative from The Havens

A representative from NHS Wales

A representative from UKAS

A representative from SPA

Apologies

Office of the Forensic Science Regulator Scientific Support

Annex B - summary of meeting actions

ACTION 1: OFSR to finalise and publish minutes of the last MFSG meeting held in June 2024.

ACTION 2: OFSR to finalise and publish updated ToR for the MFSG.

ACTION 3: OFSR to update the workplan to review at the next meeting in September 2025.

ACTION 4: OFSR to circulate draft declaration guidance as presented in the FCN newsletter to the group for feedback.

ACTION 5: OFSR to circulate FCN stakeholder update slides to group.

ACTION 6: OFSR to check for an update from the CSoFS and to feedback to the group.

ACTION 7: OFSR to add ‘risks, challenges and opportunities’ as a long-standing agenda item.

ACTION 8: OFSR to circulate a request for nominations to appoint a new chair of the MFSG.

ACTION 9: Chair to provide links to further media communications regarding self-swabbing.

ACTION 10: OFSR to initiate a review group for FSR-GUI-0017 and FSR-GUI0020 and produce an update by next meeting of the MFSG in September 2025.