The Forensic Science Regulator Act 2021 grants the Forensic Science Regulator statutory powers to enforce compliance with scientific quality standards in forensic science, presenting a significant change in the governance of forensic science in England and Wales.

The Act requires the production of a singular statutory Code that will replace the current Codes of Practice and Conduct. The singular statutory Code will consist of three main elements:

  • The core Code that will be based on the current Codes of Practice and Conduct;
  • The definitions of Forensic Science Activities; and
  • The guidance documents and appendices to the current Codes of Practice and Conduct.

The Forensic Science Regulator has made a draft of the core Code available and is seeking informal comment on the contents from the forensic science community. The draft of the core Code, a note setting out the main changes from the current Codes of Practice and Conduct, and instructions for how to provide comments can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/forensic-science-regulator-draft-core-statutory-code-for-comment

The period to provide comments on the draft core Code will end on 11/02/2022, following which the Forensic Science Regulator will use any feedback to refine the draft core Code. The whole draft Code will be subject to formal consultation later in the year in line with the requirements of sections 3(1) and 3(2) of the Forensic Science Regulator Act 2021.

For further information or enquiries please contact FSREnquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk

The Act requires the production of a singular statutory Code that will replace the current Codes of Practice and Conduct.