Forensic Science Regulator

Forensic Science Regulator
AbbreviationFSR
Formation2008; 16 years ago (2008)
TypeNon-departmental public body

The Forensic Science Regulator is the regulator of forensic science activities within the United Kingdom's legal system.[1] The regulator is advised by the Forensic Science Advisory Council. The post dates from 2008.[2]

The office of Forensic Science Regulator was originally created without any statutory powers.[2]

The first Forensic Science Regulator was Andrew Rennison.[3] Dr Gillian Tully was appointed to hold the post for three years from November 2014.[4] In November 2017 Dr Tully was re-appointed for a further three years until November 2020.[5] In her 2018 annual report, Tully urged the UK Government to put the role of the Forensic Science Regulator on a statutory footing.[6]

The Forensic Science Regulator Act 2021 made the role of the Forensic Science Regulator a statutory one and requires the Regulator to prepare and publish a code of practice. The Act also introduces new statutory powers for the Regulator to investigate and issues compliance notices where they have concerns about how a forensic science activity is being conducted.[7]

  1. ^ "Forensic Science Regulator". GOV.UK. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  2. ^ a b "Closed consultation: New statutory powers for the Forensic Science Regulator". UK.GOV. 8 November 2013.
  3. ^ "Andrew Rennison". GOV.UK. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  4. ^ "Appointment of new Forensic Science Regulator announced". GOV.UK. 17 July 2014.
  5. ^ "Dr Gillian Tully reappointed in key role for setting standards for forensic science". GOV.UK. 17 November 2018.
  6. ^ "Continuing cuts to forensic science threaten criminal justice". GOV.UK. 19 January 2018.
  7. ^ "The Forensic Science Regulator Act 2021: draft statutory code of practice consultation information and response guidance (accessible version)". GOV.UK. Retrieved 22 February 2024.