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Forensic Science Regulator

Announced
Body: Forensic Science Regulator
Appointing Department: Home Office
Sectors: Regulation, Science & Technology
Location: Flexible, the regulator’s support team is based in Birmingham and some attendance at the Birmingham office will be necessary
Skills required: Regulation
Number of Vacancies: 1
Remuneration: £96,000 (Full Time Equivalent) per annum
Time Requirements: Part time; three to four days per week

Announcement

An announcement has been made on the outcome of this appointment.

The Home Secretary has appointed Gary Pugh OBE as the new Forensic Science Regulator.

Mr Pugh will begin on 16 May 2021 and carry out the role for three years, taking over from the Interim Regulator Rupert Shute.

The Regulator ensures that the provision of forensic science services across the Criminal Justice System complies with an appropriately high standard of scientific quality and is carried out with objectivity and impartiality.

Responsibilities of the Forensic Science Regulator include:

establishing, and monitoring compliance with, quality standards in the provision of forensic science services to the police service and the wider Criminal Justice System (CJS)

ensuring, where applicable, the accreditation of those supplying forensic science services to the police, including in-house police services and forensic suppliers to the wider CJS

setting and monitoring compliance with, quality standards applying to national forensic science intelligence databases

providing advice to Ministers, CJS organisations, suppliers and others as seems appropriate, on matters related to quality standards in forensic science

dealing with complaints from stakeholders and members of the public in relation to quality standards in the provision of forensic science services.

Mr Pugh, a former Director of Forensic Services in the Metropolitan Police Service, is a forensic scientist of over 40 years, with experience of leading national governance boards and operations.

The new Forensic Science Regulator Act 2021 is intended to provide the Regulator with statutory powers.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said:

Ensuring that the UK remains at the cutting edge of forensic investigation is vital and Gary Pugh brings a wealth of experience to the role of Forensic Science Regulator.

Working for many years at the top of his field, he will ensure police are working to the very highest scientific standards when investigating crimes, pursuing criminals and seeking justice for victims.

So much progress has been made in implementing quality standards, but science is constantly evolving, and the Forensic Science Regulator plays a vital role in setting those standards.

Gary Pugh said:

I am delighted to be appointed to the post of Forensic Science Regulator.

I look forward to building on the solid work of my predecessors and working with the team that support my role to ensure the effective operation of forensic quality standards.

The Royal Assent for the Forensic Science Regulator Bill will put my role on a statutory footing recognising the importance of forensic quality standards and their critical contribution to delivering justice.

Date: 17/05/2021

View Announcement

Campaign Timeline

  • Competition Launched

    12/08/2020

  • Closed for Applications

    14/09/2020

  • Panel Sift

    02/11/2020

  • Final Interview Date

    01/12/2020

  • Announcement

    17/05/2021

 

Assessment Panel

Vacancy Description

The Home Secretary is seeking to appoint a new Forensic Science Regulator

The Forensic Science Regulator ensures that the provision of forensic science services across the criminal justice system is subject to an appropriate regime of scientific quality standards. They are responsible for:

  • identifying the requirement for new or improved quality standards;
  • leading on the development of new standards; and
  • where necessary, providing advice and guidance so that providers of forensic science services can demonstrate compliance with common standards.

The successful candidate will ideally have a substantial background in operating at a senior level in a relevant field, encompassing at least one of the following:

  • leadership in a forensic, or related, scientific discipline;
  • the development and application of quality standards in a scientific or technical environment;
  • the regulatory process involving scientific standards; or
  • the criminal justice system.

Whatever your background, you will appreciate the importance and opportunity that this role presents. Advanced communication skills, both orally and in writing will be essential.

Person Specification

The FSR will demonstrate the ability to meet the following essential criteria.

  • A scientific, technical or other qualification in an allied discipline of relevance to forensic science (e.g. a chemistry/physics/computing/engineering science degree) at first degree level or higher.  Alternatively, a demonstration of multiple years of experience working in forensic science and quality management.
  • Substantial background in operating at a senior level in a relevant field, encompassing at least one of the following:
    • leadership in a forensic, or related, scientific discipline;
    • the development and application of quality standards in a scientific or technical environment;
    • the regulatory process involving scientific standards; or
    • the criminal justice system.
  • A demonstrable ability to engage effectively with and influence a wide range of stakeholders at senior level including advanced communication skills, orally and in writing.
  • A demonstrable ability to assimilate and apply scientific concepts.
  • Demonstrable experience of weighing complex competing demands and making finely balanced judgements.

In addition, applicants will be able to demonstrate one or more criteria;

  • An understanding of the construction and application of statute law.
  • Knowledge of quality management systems and competence assessment.

 

Additional Information

The candidate will also be required to be cleared to Security Clearance level SC.

How to Apply

The closing date for applications is 11pm on Monday 14 September 2020

Please submit the following 4 documents, clearly labelled, by email to:

publicappointments@homeoffice.gov.uk

  1. A comprehensive CV (maximum two sides A4, minimum 11 font) setting out your career history and including details of any professional qualifications.
  2. A short supporting statement (maximum two sides A4, minimum 11 font) giving evidence of the strength and depth of your ability to meet the essential criteria for the role. Please provide specific examples to demonstrate how you meet each of the experience, qualities and skill areas identified in the person specification.
  3. Please complete and return via email the forms at Annex B (attached separately), relating to referees, conflicts of interest and nationality.
  4. In addition please complete the Diversity Form at Annex C. Please click on the link to the Public Appointments website for further information on recording whether or not you have a disability.

Please include the heading (Forensics Science Regulator) in the subject box.

Please submit your application documents as 4 separate attachments.

Please note the following:

  • We cannot accept applications submitted after the closing date.
  • Applications will be assessed on the documentation provided. Please refer to the advert and checklist to ensure you have provided the necessary documentation. We will assess it based solely on documentation provided.
  • Applications will be acknowledged upon receipt.
  • Feedback will only be given to unsuccessful candidates following interview.
Attachments
Home Office Privacy Notice - Final
Diversity Monitoring Form Accessible (6)
200810 - Forensic Science Regulator - Candidate Pack - Final
Annex B - Supporting documentation 2020 - Final
OCPA Regulated

This post is regulated by The Commissioner for Public Appointments

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