The Forensic Science Service® (FSS®) took an important step forward today as it became a 100% Government-owned company (GovCo).
The FSS provides essential forensic science services to the police as well as being a source of training, consultancy and scientific support for overseas and private sector customers. FSS scientists deal with around 130,000 cases each year, as well as attending around 1,800 crime scenes and appearing in court to give expert evidence on roughly 2,500 occasions.
The change in status from a Trading Fund to a GovCo will allow the FSS to respond with more agility to changes in the forensic science market.
Home Office Minster Andy Burnham said:
“This is a hugely important step forward for the Forensic Science Service, which is a world leader in its field. This change in status will allow the FSS the commercial independence to develop its business flexibly and efficiently in order to be able to compete in an increasingly challenging forensic environment.
“This change will enable the FSS to remain at the leading edge of forensic science in the UK and internationally, while continuing to serve the public interest and delivering a valuable and high quality service to the Criminal Justice System.”
Dr Dave Werrett, Chief Executive of the FSS said:
“This is an exciting opportunity for the FSS. Both the forensic science market and technology in this area are developing rapidly, and being a GovCo will give the FSS the flexibility and responsiveness to remain at the cutting edge. This will ensure that the police and other law enforcement agencies get the best support possible from forensic science in the fight against crime.”
Mr Burnham also announced changes to the management of the National DNA Database® (NDNAD) following the FSS’ move to GovCo status.
From today, standard setting and oversight of the database will be provided by a dedicated Home Office delivery unit, governed by a Board which includes representatives of the Home Office, the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), the Association of Police Authorities (APA) as well as independent representatives from the Human Genetics Commission.
In order to maintain a consistent service, the FSS has been awarded a three-year contract to continue providing NDNAD operational services, which will include loading DNA profiles onto the NDNAD to search for matches, and reporting these back to police forces.
Chief Constable Tony Lake, ACPO lead on forensic science said:
"The use of DNA has been of enormous value in detecting crime.
"I welcome the new arrangements for the DNA Database Board and its future governance. As Chairman of the National DNA Database Board (NDNADB) and together with my colleagues from the Home Office and the APA, we have a responsibility to maintain the integrity and preservation of standards of the database itself. I am particularly pleased that two members of the Human Genetics Commission will play an important role in helping to ensure the database operates to its full potential but within ethical parameters.”
Notes to Editors
- The new arrangements for the NDNAD were announced in a written ministerial statement to Parliament on 5 December 2005.
- A written ministerial statement of 11 January 2005 made clear the Government's intention to establish the FSS as a wholly owned Government Company (GovCo)http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200405/cmhansrd/cm050111/wmstext/50111m02.htm#50111m02.html_sbhd0.
- Transfer of the FSS to a Government owned company (GovCo) was a key recommendation of a review of the FSS in 2003. The executive summary of the MacFarland Review can be found on the Home Office website at Police website.
- For further information on the FSS and the National DNA Database please visit the FSS website at http://www.forensic.gov.uk.
- The Forensic Science Service® is a trading name of Forensic Science Service Ltd. Forensic Science Service Ltd is a UK Government owned company.
