Policing in the UK faces a series of challenges as it seeks to modernise, become more efficient, and make the most of technology and innovation to respond to modern and future demands. As an integral part of policing, forensic science is facing these challenges too. At the heart of the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) Forensic Portfolio is a desire to work together nationally to deliver high quality, specialist forensic capabilities with centralised support to share knowledge and improve resilience, efficiency, quality, and effectiveness. This is the aim of the Forensic Capability Network (FCN). The FCN Quality Officer roles will be central to supporting policing by developing the internal FCN QMS and by leading a national approach to support policing to meet regulatory requirements and improving quality standards within UK Forensics. This a national role and will include influencing and supporting forensic experts across the policing community to deliver an effective standardised approach to Forensic Science Regulator’s compliance and accreditation. The postholder will provide advice, knowledge and support to FCN colleagues, national expert networks, force champions, Forensic Leaders and the wider forensic community. This position will also have regular contact with external stakeholders such as the Forensic Science Regulator, UKAS, and Forensic Service Providers. They may chair national and regional meetings.
Responsibilities include providing specialist quality, compliance and accreditation advice and support to the FCN and the wider law enforcement community to ensure the effective delivery of compliance activity.
Support the development of new business processes for the FCN. Including plan, design, write, implement and co-ordinate the development of a robust, effective and efficient Quality Management System within FCN.
To support, facilitate and enable police forces in England and Wales to obtain and maintain Compliance with requirements of the Forensic Science Regulator: coordinating and supporting work on the standardisation, interoperability and consistency of procedures and assisting with the building of new practices, approaches, policies and procedures.
Responsibility for the day-to-day operation, co-ordination and maintenance of all activities that are required within the Quality Management System, and to direct and control Quality Standards across FCN.
- Monitoring and reviewing the performance of Quality Management System processes - identifying trends and critical control points and introducing and implementing preventive measures and corrective actions where required.
