Appointment details

Forensic Science Regulator

Summary

• Organisation: Forensic Science Regulator
• Sponsor department: Home Office
• Location: London
• Sectors: Professional, Scientific and Technical
• Skills: Regulation
• Number of vacancies: 1
• Time commitment: 5 day(s) per week
• Remuneration: £100000 to £130000 per annum
• Length of term: 3 years
• Application deadline: 11pm on 6 January 2025

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Timeline for this appointment

1. Opening date

   12 November 2024

2. Application deadline

   11pm on 6 January 2025

3. Sifting date

   20 January 2025

4. Interviews expected to end on

   17 February 2025

Timeline dates are only an estimate and can change

About the appointment

Introduction

The statutory Forensic Science Regulator (FSR) is appointed by the Home Secretary under the Forensic Science Regulator Act 2021 (‘the Act’). The FSR ensures that the provision of Forensic Science services across the criminal justice system is subject to an appropriate regime of scientific quality standards. The regulator is responsible for:

• Preparing and ensuring compliance with the FSR’s statutory code of practice;

• Identifying the requirement for new or improved quality standards;

• Leading on the development of new standards;

• Instigate and take action on substantial risks within the remit of the FSR including the issue of compliance notices and completion certificates; and

• Where necessary, providing advice and guidance so that providers of Forensic Science services can demonstrate compliance with common standards.

Although sponsored by the Home Office, the regulator is a public officer holder and operates 

independently of the Home Office, on behalf of the criminal justice system as a whole. They are appointed in accordance with the Act and in line with the requirements of the Governance Code on Public Appointments. 

The regulator is supported by a team of civil servants (8 scientists) based in London and Birmingham. As part of this support, the Home Office occasionally procures small pieces of 

research on the regulator’s behalf.

The regulators latest annual report is available here.

Additional introductions

Foreword from Professor Jennifer Rubin

Dear Applicant,

I am delighted that you are interested in the role of the Forensic Science Regulator (FSR). The Regulator plays a pivotal role in maintaining excellence in Forensic Science quality standards that are integral to a fair and transparent Criminal Justice System. They provide the Home Secretary with independent and robust assurance that quality standards are adhered to by Forensic Service Providers and leads to effort to ensure those standards are maintained and new standards developed in what is an ever-changing Forensic Science landscape, where new tools and techniques such as digital forensics are being applied to enhance criminal investigation. 

In particular, the Forensic Science Regulator Act 2021 made the role of the FSR a statutory one and requires the FSR to prepare and publish a code of practice. The FSR has a national profile and is frequently at the heart of the debate around challenges faced in Forensic Science. The regulator meets regularly with Home Office officials, and with Ministers as appropriate, provides evidence at Parliamentary Select Committees and leads the debate on Forensic Science quality. They also prepare an annual written report to the Home Secretary and publish regular advice, updating standards that are vital in maintaining and improving the quality of Forensic Science in England and Wales.

We are looking for someone with a proven reputation in Forensic Science with strong leadership, communication and technical skills to take on a role at a challenging time for Forensic Science in the Criminal Justice system and will work with a busy and enthusiastic team of scientists to drive forward the development and enhancement of Forensic Science quality standards. 

If this sounds like the sort of challenge that would inspire and motivate you, please get in touch. 

We are committed to diverse and inclusive leadership in the wider Civil Service, and I welcome applications from underrepresented groups.

Professor Jennifer Rubin

Home Office Chief Scientific Adviser

Appointment description

Title: Forensic Science Regulator

Remuneration: £100,000 - £130,000 (full time public appointment)

Appointment:         Three-year appointment with the possibility of re-appointment 

Location:                 Flexible, with regular travel to Birmingham and Central London required, where the Office of the Forensic Science Regulator’s team are based.

Accountability:         Home Secretary 

Purpose:

We are seeking a highly skilled candidate who will hold the position of Forensic Science Regulator (FSR). The role of the FSR is to:

• Prepare and consult on a Code of Practice for Forensic Science activities carried out in England and Wales and publish the Code following approval by the Secretary of State and both houses            of parliament.

• Establish and maintain mechanisms that will bring to the attention of the Forensic Science Regulator any risks to the provision of Forensic Science activities that adversely affect a criminal                  investigation or impede or prejudice the course of justice in any proceedings.

• Instigate and take action on substantial risks within the remit of the FSR including the issue of compliance notices and completion certificates.

• Prepare and publish guidance or reports and provide advice or assistance on any matter relating to Forensic Science activities carried on in England and Wales. 

• Prepare and publish an annual report about the exercise of the Regulator’s functions and provide a copy of the report to the Secretary of State.

• Provide visible leadership and promote the regulation of Forensic Science across the Forensic Science community and the wider public to improve understanding of, and confidence in,                      Forensic Science regulation. 

• Establish effective strategic relationships with key providers of Forensic Science services including police forces and commercial companies, and stakeholders including parliamentary                        committees, United Kingdom Accreditation Service, National Police Chiefs' Council, Association of Forensic Science Providers, Home Office and criminal justice organisations. 

• Agree and jointly monitor an annual forensic regulation delivery plan with the Head of the Office of the Forensic Science Regulator that includes, priorities, deliverables and milestones.

        The role is also subject to Parliamentary Scrutiny, for example through providing evidence at the request of Parliamentary Select Committees on Forensic Science quality issues.

Regulation of appointment

This post is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. For more information, please refer to the Commissioner’s website 

Person specification

Essential criteria

It is important in your supporting statement that you provide evidence and proven examples against each of the selection criteria in the person specification, in so far as you are able. These responses will be further developed and explored with you if invited for interview. 

Essential skills and Experience

To be considered for this role, you must be able to demonstrate that you have the qualities, skills and experience to meet the criteria below:

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:

1.   leadership in a forensic, or related, scientific discipline;
2.   the development and application of quality standards in a scientific or technical environment;
3.   the regulatory process involving scientific standards; or 
4.   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.

Application and selection process

How to apply

The closing date for applications is 23:00hrs on  Monday 6 January 2025.

Please submit the following 2 documents, clearly labelled. In order to apply, you will need to click on one of the links below, depending on if you have already set up an account on the new Cabinet Office Public Appointment website. 

In order to apply you will need to create an account or sign in.

Once you are logged into your account, click on 'apply for this role' and follow the on-screen instructions. To apply, all candidates are required to provide:

• a Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• a supporting statement
• equality information
• information relating to any outside interests or reputational issues

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

Please submit your application documents as 2 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.

We will ask you to check and confirm your personal details to ensure your application is accurate.

You will also have the opportunity to make a reasonable adjustment request or apply under the disability confident scheme before you submit your application.

The Advisory Assessment Panel reserves the right to only consider applications that contain all of the elements listed above, and that arrive before the published deadline for applications.

Overview of the application process

Public appointments are made on merit following a fair and open competition process which is conducted in accordance with the Governance Code for Public Appointments. We will deal with your application as quickly as possible and will keep you informed at key stages. We aim to conclude the appointment process within three months of the deadline for applications – this is in accordance with the Governance Code.

The assessment process

1. Ministers are responsible and accountable to Parliament for the public appointments made within their department. As a result, they must be consulted at every stage of the appointments process.

2. An Advisory Assessment Panel (“Panel”) is appointed by Ministers to assist them in their decision making. The role of the Panel is to decide, objectively, which candidates meet the eligibility criteria for the role.

3. At the shortlisting meeting the Panel will assess applications against the eligibility criteria and decide which candidates have best met the criteria, who should be recommended for interview. Ministers will then be consulted on the Panel’s recommended shortlist. If you have applied under the Disability Confident Scheme and you meet all the essential criteria, then you will also be invited for an interview.

4. Once the shortlist has been agreed by Ministers, you will be advised (by e-mail) whether you have been shortlisted. Those shortlisted will be invited to an interview.

5. The Panel will meet again to interview candidates and determine who is appointable to the role. The Panel may invite you to make a brief presentation at the start of the interview and will go on to question you about your skills and experience, including asking specific questions to assess whether you meet the criteria set out for the post. The Panel will also explore with you any potential conflicts of interest or any other issues arising from your personal and professional history which may impact on an appointment decision.

6. Details of the panel’s assessment of interviewed candidates are provided to Ministers, including whether they have judged a candidate to be appointable to the role. It is then for Ministers to determine merit and decide who should be appointed. In some circumstances, Ministers may choose not to appoint any candidates and re-run the competition.

7. Ministers may choose to meet with candidates before deciding the outcome. Candidates should therefore be prepared for a short time gap between interview and a final appointment decision being made. Candidates who have been interviewed will be kept informed of progress.

8. Once the decision on the appointment has been made, interviewed candidates will be advised of the outcome of their application, including whom they may approach for feedback. Successful candidates will be issued with their Terms & Conditions and a letter of appointment should they agree to take up the position.

Further information about appointments, including tips on applying, can be found on our guidance pages on gov.uk.

Advisory Assessment Panel (AAP)

The panel will be chaired by Christophe Prince (Director, Data & Identity Directorate, Home Office) and include Dr Nicholas Moiseiwitsch (Home Office Deputy Chief Scientific Adviser), and Olivia Grant as an independent panel member. The panel will ensure the appointments are made in accordance with the Governance Code.

Advisory Assessment Panels (AAP) are chosen by ministers to assist them in their decision-making. These include a departmental official and an independent member. For competitions recruiting non-executive members of a board (apart from the Chair), the panel will usually include a representative from the public body concerned.

AAP’s perform a number of functions, including agreeing an assessment strategy with ministers, undertaking sifting, carrying out interviews in line with the advertised criteria and deciding objectively who meets the published selection criteria for the role before recommending to ministers which candidates they find appointable. It is then for the minister to decide who to appoint to the role.

Eligibility criteria

In general, you should have the right to work in the UK to be eligible to apply for a public appointment.

There are a small number of specialist roles that are not open to non-British citizens. Any nationality requirements will be specified in the vacancy details.

The Government expects all holders of public office to work to the highest personal and professional standards. 

You cannot be considered for a public appointment if:

• you are disqualified from acting as a company director  (under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986);

• have an unspent conviction on your criminal record;

• your estate has been sequestrated in Scotland or you enter into a debt arrangement programme under Part 1 of the Debt Arrangement and Attachment (Scotland) Act 2002 (asp 17) as the debtor or have, under Scots law, granted a trust deed for creditors.

When you apply, you should declare if:

• you are, or have been, bankrupt or you have made an arrangement with a creditor at any point, including the dates of this. 

• you are subject to a current police investigation.

You must inform the sponsor department if, during the application process, your circumstances change in respect of any of the above points. 

When you apply you should also declare any relevant interests, highlighting any that you think may call into question your ability to properly discharge the responsibilities of the role you are applying for. You should also declare any other matters which may mean you may not be able to meet the requirements of the Code of Conduct of Board Members (see Outside interests and reputational issues section below)

Security clearance

The successful candidates will be required to have or to obtain security clearance to SC level. It usually takes between 4-6 weeks to obtain the security clearance. The role will be offered on a conditional basis until the successful candidate has passed all checks. The successful candidate will be encouraged to take up the appointment as soon as possible, subject to the successful completion of all reappointment checks.  . Further information on National Security Vetting can be found on the Gov.uk website here.

Additional information for candidates

Equality and diversity

We encourage applications from talented individuals from all backgrounds and across the whole of the United Kingdom. Boards of public bodies are most effective when they reflect the diversity of views of the society they serve.

We collect data about applicants’ characteristics and backgrounds, including information about people’s educational and professional backgrounds, so that we can make sure we are attracting a broad range of people to these roles and that our selection processes are fair for everyone. Without this information, it makes it difficult to see if our outreach is working, if the application process is having an unfair impact on certain groups and whether changes are making a positive difference.

When you submit your application, your responses are collected by the Cabinet Office and the government department(s) managing your application. The data is used to produce management information about the diversity of applicants. You can select “prefer not to say” to any question you do not wish to answer. The information you provide will not be seen by the Advisory Assessment Panel who review applications against the advertised criteria and conduct interviews.

Disability confident

We are a member of the Government’s Disability Confident scheme. We use the Disability Confident scheme symbol, along with other like-minded employers, to show our commitment to good practice in employing people with a disability. The scheme helps recruit and retain disabled people. As part of implementing the scheme, we guarantee an interview for anyone with a disability whose application meets the essential criteria for the role, set out in the advert, and who has asked that their application is considered under the scheme. Indicating that you wish your application to be considered under the scheme will in no way prejudice your application. By ‘essential criteria', we mean that you must provide evidence which demonstrates that you meet the level of competence required under each of the essential criteria, as set out in the job-advert. When you apply you will have the opportunity to select if you would like your application considered under this scheme.

Reasonable adjustments

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to make sure applicants with disabilities, physical or mental health conditions, or other needs are not substantially disadvantaged when applying for public appointments. This can include changing the recruitment process to enable people who wish to apply to do so.

Some examples of common changes are:

• ensuring that application forms are available in different or accessible formats;
• making adaptations to interview locations;
• allowing candidates to present their skills and experience in a different way;
• giving additional detailed information on the selection / interview process in advance to allow candidates time to prepare themselves;
• allowing support workers, for example sign language interpreters;
• making provision for support animals to attend.

When you apply you will have the opportunity to request reasonable adjustments to the application process.

Principles of public life

The Seven Principles of Public Life (also known as the Nolan Principles) apply to anyone who works as a public office-holder.

1. Selflessness

Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest.

2. Integrity

Holders of public office must avoid placing themselves under any obligation to people or organisations that might try inappropriately to influence them in their work. They should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends. They must declare and resolve any interests and relationships.

3. Objectivity

Holders of public office must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias.

4. Accountability

Holders of public office are accountable to the public for their decisions and actions and must submit themselves to the scrutiny necessary to ensure this.

5. Openness

Holders of public office should act and take decisions in an open and transparent manner. Information should not be withheld from the public unless there are clear and lawful reasons for so doing.

6. Honesty

Holders of public office should be truthful.

7. Leadership

Holders of public office should exhibit these principles in their own behaviour and treat others with respect. They should actively promote and robustly support the principles and challenge poor behaviour wherever it occurs.

Code of conduct for board members

The Government expects all holders of public office to work to the highest personal and professional standards. In support of this, all non-executive board members of UK public bodies must abide by the principles set out in the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies. The Code sets out the standards expected from those who serve on the boards of UK public bodies and will form part of your terms and conditions of appointment.

Management of outside interests and consideration of reputational issues

Holders of public office are expected to adhere and uphold the Seven Principles of Public Life and the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies. Before you apply you should consider carefully: 

• any outside interests that you may have, such as shares you may hold in a company providing services to government; 
• any possible reputational issues arising from your past actions or public statements that you have made; 
• and/or - any political roles you hold or political campaigns you have supported; 

which may call into question your ability to do the role you are applying for.

You will need to answer relevant questions in relation to these points when making an application. Many conflicts of interest can be satisfactorily resolved and declaring a potential conflict does not prevent you from being interviewed. If you are shortlisted for an interview, the panel will discuss any potential conflicts with you during that interview, including any proposals you may have to mitigate them and record that in their advice to ministers. Alongside your own declaration, we will conduct appropriate checks, as part of which we will consider anything in the public domain related to your conduct or professional capacity. This may include searches of previous public statements and social media, blogs or any other publicly available information. The successful candidate(s) may be required to give up any conflicting interests and their other business and financial interests may be published in line with organisational policies. 

Details of declared political activity will be published when the appointment is announced, as required by the Governance Code (political activity is not a bar to appointment, but must be declared).

Status of appointment

As this is an office holder appointment, you will not become a member of the Civil Service. You will not be subject to the provisions of employment law.

Appointment and tenure of office

Appointments are for the term set out in this advert, with the possibility of re-appointment for a further term, at the discretion of Ministers.  Any re-appointment is subject to satisfactory annual appraisals of performance during the first term in the post. There is no automatic presumption of reappointment; each case should be considered on its own merits, taking into account a number of factors including, but not restricted to, the diversity of the current board and its balance of skills and experience. In most cases, the total time served in post will not exceed more than two terms or ten years in any one post. 

Remuneration, allowances and abatement

Remuneration for this role is treated as employment income and will be subject to tax and National Insurance contributions, both of which will be deducted at source under PAYE before you are paid. 

The post holder can claim reimbursement for reasonable travel and subsistence costs necessarily incurred during the course of their duties at rates set centrally. 

Pension and redundancy

This is an office holder appointment and does not attract any benefits under any Civil Service Pension Scheme. You will not be eligible for redundancy pay as you are not an employee. No other arrangements have been made for compensation upon the end of your term of appointment because an office holder who is appointed for a limited duration would have no expectation of serving beyond that period.

Application feedback

We will notify you of the status of your application. We regret that we are only able to offer detailed feedback to candidates who have been unsuccessful at the interview stage.

How to complain

We aim to process all applications as quickly as possible and to treat all applicants with courtesy.

If you are not completely satisfied with the way your application is handled at any stage of the competition, please raise any complaint in the first instance with the Public Appointments Team at: publicappointments@homeoffice.gov.uk

How to complain to Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments (OCPA)

If you are not content with the appointing department’s response you may wish to further complain to the Commissioner at publicappointments@csc.gov.uk.Further information on how the Commissioner handles complaints can be found on the Commissioner for Public Appointments’ website https://publicappointmentscommissioner.independent.gov.uk/regulating-appointments/investigating-complaints/

Data protection

The Cabinet Office will use your data in line with our privacy policy.

Contact details

If you have any queries about any aspect of this role, or merely wish to have an informal discussion, then please contact Mark.Greenhorn@homeoffice.gov.uk.    

If you have any queries about the recruitment process for this role, please contact the Public Appointments Team at: publicappointments@homeoffice.gov.uk 

If helpful to you, there is guidance available on writing a supporting statement on the public appointments webpages here

Attachments

• Candidate Pack

• Home Office Privacy Notice