S u p p o r t i n g f o r e n s i c p r a c t i t i o n e r s w o r l d w i d e. Copyright of The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences

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1 S u p p o r t i n g f o r e n s i c p r a c t i t i o n e r s w o r l d w i d e Copyright of The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences

2 . Education and Industry Liaison Forum Home Office, London 19 th December 2014 Accreditation update Brian W J Rankin CSFS - Chair of Accreditation, Past President and Council member (Head of Centre for Forensic Investigation, Teesside University) Copyright of The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences

3 Some quotes (early / mid 2000) Mickey Mouse courses The evidence rests in the proliferation of worthless forensic science degrees No Comment about getting more students into science. DCC Clive Wolfendale Chair of the Skills for Justice Forensic Science Occupational Committee Skills for justice, The Standard, Issue 13 (2008)

4 Mellowing? The typical route to becoming a court reporting officer (RO) is to gain qualifications in a specific discipline (e.g. biology or chemistry) and then be trained in-house by the employing forensic laboratory. That route is usually (though not always) preferable to hiring those with primary degrees in forensic science, Not mellowing? large number of people who have taken forensic science. We are not sure why, because many of them were unemployable Lord Browne of Madingley (2011) Brown & Willis (2009) Complexity in Forensic science

5 The Society developed a formal Accreditation scheme to help establish and maintain standards of education in forensic science. Science-based Standards First accreditation January 2015 Assessment of Graduate Skills 5

6 Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) Standards of degrees Benchmark statement for Forensic Science BSc and MSc Not a national curriculum Flexibility and innovation Developed by academia and industry 5 January

7 HEA report Nov More forensic science students in employment than chemistry and physics although more chemistry and physics graduates were in higher education. 5 January

8 National Occupational Standards College of Policing recently commissioned Skills for Justice to review the National Occupational Standards (NOS) for forensic science Many police forces are incorporating NOS into their HR processes The NOS take the form of a series of action statements Overview Performance criteria You must be able to: This standard is about developing and implementing forensic strategies for serious and complex investigations. It includes working with people in making assessments of incidents or operations. It involves reviewing information and intelligence, confirming investigative needs and determining forensic actions required. Forensic strategies will need to be monitored and may change as a consequence of outcomes throughout investigations. Forensic strategies can be developed for incidents and operations, and can include forensic examination strategies and forensic submission strategies. Maintaining health and safety, together with the integrity and continuity of forensic materials, is of paramount importance. 1. gather available information regarding incidents in line with organisational procedures 2. assess potential risks which may impact upon investigations in line with organisational procedures, and: 1. take action to manage risks 3. agree and record examination plans with relevant people in line with the needs of investigations 4. check actions to be taken in recovering forensic items maximise the collection and preservation of potential evidence 5. plan resources required for forensic investigations in line with organisational procedures 5 January 2015 Assessment of Graduate Skills 8

9 Fellow FCSFS Accredited Forensic Practitioner AcFP Chartered Forensic Practitioner ChFP Professional Member MCSFS Further training/development Associate Member ACSFS Affiliate Member YES satisfactory assessment of degree syllabus Student Member NO Insufficient experience or qualifications/ working in related profession/ legitimate interest in forensic science Copyright of The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences

10 Nos. of University / Courses accredited by CSFS c CSoFS Universities with forensic (+3) Courses Forensic UG Courses Forensic PG Courses Forensic FD * * Foundation or PG diplomas 5 January

11 Over the last year Forum 2013 Pre Employment Assessment of Competence (graduate) R&D UG / PG more widely available Two evaluation and Interpretation workshops * next Derby New assessors appointed and trained Development day matrix enhancement continual improvement Questionnaire Assessor and University Coming.. Accreditation of on line courses Endorsement level BTec 5 January

12 Matrix - Example Crime scene 2.Describe and carry out the steps required for the preservation and documentation of the crime scene, the systematic search for evidence, and the collection, packaging and labelling of evidence. +++ Crime scene investigation [NU1-8613], Yr 1. Case studies [NU3-8645], Yr 3. Crime scene investigation is covered by two crime scene practicals and in lectures 1-3 of NU In lecture 6, a senior CSM from the Borcestershire Police Force speaks to our students about scene investigation and runs a ½ day workshop on fingerprint recovery and photography. Students carry out two crime scene investigations, one of which involves an outdoor scene. Students are expected to preserve the scene, document evidence and then recover and package evidence (including labelling) for later examination in Module NU in Yr 2. Students contemporaneous notes, crime scene sketches, photographs and scene report are summatively assessed in Coursework assignment 2. Evidence collection, preservation and labelling is also revisited in the Case studies module in year 3, where the impact of failing to carry out these procedures correctly is highlighted in specific case 5 January 2015 studies. 12

13 Accredited University questionnaire 30% response, report issued July, we asked Re costs 50% right and 50% too high Re Communication with Society 100% very pleased - reviewed right balance re pre and actual visit Re Completion of matrix - reviewed Re a Pre-visit reviewed and now offered Re process about right but we continually review Re feedback about right reviewed with Chairs Re recognition were aware reviewed and endorsement Re Student Block membership reviewed more info to be made available 5 January

14 Education & Training Opportunities Doctorate Accredited Course Masters Degree Recognised Course Degree Diploma of Higher Education CPD/CPC Certificate of Higher Education Endorsed Course BTEC Diploma BTEC Extended Diploma

15 Forensic Services Employers Requirements of a Graduate With current fiscal challenges and reduced training budgets, there is a growing need for: Better trained new starters Quicker time to productivity Graduates with strong work ethic Graduates who follow process but question it 5 January 2015 Assessment of Graduate Skills 15

16 Thank you Brian Rankin S u p p o r t i n g f o r e n s i c p r a c t i t i o n e r s w o r l d w i d e Copyright of The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences