Forensic Science Regulator Act 2021 Implementation

9 Dec 2025 | Announcement Home Office linked

Publication of Forensic Information Database Strategy Board Annual Report (April 2024 – March 2025)

UIN: HCWS1142 I am pleased to announce that I am, today, publishing the Annual Report of the Forensic Information Database Strategy Board for 2024-25. This report covers the National DNA Database and the National Fingerprints Database. The Strategy Board Chair, …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓

9 Dec 2025 | Announcement Home Office linked

Publication of Forensic Information Database Strategy Board Annual Report (April 2024 – March 2025)

UIN: HLWS1142 My hon Friend the Minister of State for Policing and Crime (Sarah Jones) has today made the following Written Ministerial Statement:I am pleased to announce that I am, today, publishing the Annual Report of the Forensic Information Database …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓

21 Jul 2025 | Announcement Home Office linked

Appointment of the Forensic Science Regulator

UIN: HCWS864 I am today announcing the appointment of the Forensic Science Regulator. Following an open competition conducted in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments, I have decided to appoint Dr Marc Bailey. He is a highly experienced …

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21 Jul 2025 | Announcement Home Office linked

Appointment of the Forensic Science Regulator

UIN: HLWS863 My rt hon Friend the Minister of State for Policing and Crime Prevention (Dame Diana Johnson) has today made the following Written Ministerial Statement:I am today announcing the appointment of the Forensic Science Regulator. Following an open competition...

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓

28 Mar 2025 | Policy paper Forensic Science Regulator Home Office Context · primary home: Forensic Science Regulation linked

Forensic Science Regulator draft code of practice 2025

This code of practice concerns the performance of forensic science activities in England and Wales.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Forensic Science Regulator draft code of practi… (389pp)

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↓ Forensic Science Regulator draft code of practice 2025: ver… (392pp) ↓ Explanatory memorandum (6pp) ↓ Explanatory memorandum (print version) (8pp)

24 Mar 2025 | Guidance Forensic Science Regulator linked

Consultation guidance: forensic science code of practice version 2 (accessible)

In response to: Forensic science code of practice: version 2

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

24 Mar 2025 | Consultation (open) Forensic Science Regulator linked

Summary of changes proposed for the code of practice (accessible)

In response to: Forensic science code of practice: version 2

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

24 Mar 2025 | Consultation (open) Forensic Science Regulator linked

Draft code of practice (accessible)

In response to: Forensic science code of practice: version 2

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

24 Mar 2025 | Consultation outcome Forensic Science Regulator linked

Code of practice version 2 consultation response report (accessible) — outcome published

In response to: Forensic science code of practice: version 2

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

24 Mar 2025 | Consultation outcome Forensic Science Regulator linked

Forensic science code of practice: version 2 — outcome published

We're consulting on the draft for the development of version 2 of the forensic science code of practice.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Consultation guidance: forensic science code of…

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↓ Consultation guidance: forensic science code of practice ve… ↓ Summary of changes proposed for the code of practice (acces… ↓ Summary of changes proposed for the code of practice (19pp) ↓ Draft code of practice (accessible) ↓ Draft code of practice (397pp) ↓ Code of practice version 2 consultation response report (ac… ↓ Code of practice version 2 consultation response report (55pp)

11 Oct 2024 | Consultation (closed) Forensic Science Regulator linked

Proposed amendments to FSAs for the examination and testing of human biological material and material distribution — consultation closed

The Forensic Science Regulator is seeking comments on the revised FSA – BIO 200 and FSA – BIO 201 and related new and revised glossary definitions.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Proposed amendments to FSAs for human biologica… (7pp)

11 Oct 2024 | Consultation (closed) Forensic Science Regulator linked

Section 5A drug-driving: revised FSA specific requirements — consultation closed

The Forensic Science Regulator is seeking comments on the revised FSA specific requirements for FSA DTN 102: Toxicology: analyses for drugs in relation to s5A of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ FSA specific requirements for DTN 102 Toxicolog… (14pp)

10 Oct 2024 | Announcement Home Office linked

Publication of Forensic Information Database Strategy Board Annual Report 2023-24

UIN: HCWS120 I am pleased to announce that I am, today, publishing the Annual Report of the Forensic Information Database Strategy Board for 2023-24. This report covers the National DNA Database and the National Fingerprints Database. The Strategy Board Chair, …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓

10 Oct 2024 | Announcement Home Office linked

Publication of Forensic Information Database Strategy Board Annual Report 2023-24

UIN: HLWS115 My rt hon Friend the Minister of State for Policing, Fire and Crime Prevention (Dame Diana Johnson) has today made the following Written Ministerial Statement:I am pleased to announce that I am, today, publishing the Annual Report of …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓

24 Sep 2024 | Consultation (closed) Forensic Science Regulator linked

Proposed amendments to FSAs for the examination and testing of human biological material and material distribution — consultation opened

The Forensic Science Regulator is seeking comments on the revised FSA – BIO 200 and FSA – BIO 201 and related new and revised glossary definitions.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Proposed amendments to FSAs for human biologica… (7pp)

20 Sep 2024 | Consultation (closed) Forensic Science Regulator linked

Section 5A drug-driving: revised FSA specific requirements — consultation opened

The Forensic Science Regulator is seeking comments on the revised FSA specific requirements for FSA DTN 102: Toxicology: analyses for drugs in relation to s5A of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ FSA specific requirements for DTN 102 Toxicolog… (14pp)

13 Sep 2024 | Consultation (closed) Forensic Science Regulator linked

Friction ridge detail comparison — consultation closed

We are seeking comments on the revised definition and the specific requirements for FSA–MTP101 – friction ridge detail: comparison.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Consultation draft of specific requirements to …

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↓ Consultation draft of specific requirements to support FSA-… (11pp) ↓ Consultation draft for FSA-MTP101 reframed as activities/se… ↓ Consultation draft for FSA-MTP101 reframed as activities/se… (2pp)

23 Aug 2024 | Consultation (open) Forensic Science Regulator linked

Consultation draft of specific requirements to support FSA-MTP101 friction ridge detail: comparison (accessible)

In response to: Friction ridge detail comparison

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

23 Aug 2024 | Consultation (open) Forensic Science Regulator linked

Consultation draft for FSA-MTP101 reframed as activities/services: a holistic approach (accessible)

In response to: Friction ridge detail comparison

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

22 Aug 2024 | Consultation (closed) Forensic Science Regulator linked

Friction ridge detail comparison — consultation opened

We are seeking comments on the revised definition and the specific requirements for FSA–MTP101 – friction ridge detail: comparison.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Consultation draft of specific requirements to …

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↓ Consultation draft of specific requirements to support FSA-… (11pp) ↓ Consultation draft for FSA-MTP101 reframed as activities/se… ↓ Consultation draft for FSA-MTP101 reframed as activities/se… (2pp)

22 May 2024 | Announcement Home Office linked

Publication of Forensic Information Database Strategy Board Annual Report 2022-23

UIN: HCWS496 I am pleased to announce that I am, today, publishing the Annual Report of the Forensic Information Database Strategy Board for 2022-23. This report covers the National DNA Database and the National Fingerprints Database. The Strategy Board Chair, …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓

22 May 2024 | Announcement Home Office linked

Publication of Forensic Information Database Strategy Board Annual Report 2022-23

UIN: HLWS491 My rt hon Friend the Minister of State for Crime, Policing and Fire (Chris Philp) has today made the following Written Ministerial Statement:I am pleased to announce that I am, today, publishing the Annual Report of the Forensic …

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24 Apr 2024 | Policy paper Forensic Science Regulator linked

Policy on enforcement action taken by the Forensic Science Regulator

In response to: Policy on enforcement action taken by the Forensic Science Regulator

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

24 Apr 2024 | Policy paper Forensic Science Regulator linked

Policy on enforcement action taken by the Forensic Science Regulator

Investigation and enforcement action provisions for the Forensic Science Regulator under the Forensic Science Regulator Act 2021.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Policy on enforcement action taken by the Foren…

11 Mar 2024 | Consultation outcome Forensic Science Regulator linked

Forensic science code of practice: version 2 — consultation closed

We're consulting on the draft for the development of version 2 of the forensic science code of practice.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Consultation guidance: forensic science code of…

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↓ Consultation guidance: forensic science code of practice ve… ↓ Summary of changes proposed for the code of practice (acces… ↓ Summary of changes proposed for the code of practice (19pp) ↓ Draft code of practice (accessible) ↓ Draft code of practice (397pp) ↓ Code of practice version 2 consultation response report (ac… ↓ Code of practice version 2 consultation response report (55pp)

12 Feb 2024 | Consultation outcome Forensic Science Regulator linked

Forensic science code of practice: version 2 — consultation opened

We're consulting on the draft for the development of version 2 of the forensic science code of practice.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Consultation guidance: forensic science code of…

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↓ Consultation guidance: forensic science code of practice ve… ↓ Summary of changes proposed for the code of practice (acces… ↓ Summary of changes proposed for the code of practice (19pp) ↓ Draft code of practice (accessible) ↓ Draft code of practice (397pp) ↓ Code of practice version 2 consultation response report (ac… ↓ Code of practice version 2 consultation response report (55pp)

28 Sep 2023 | Statutory Instrument linked

The Forensic Science Regulator Act 2021 (Commencement  No. 2) Regulations 2023

These Regulations bring into force on 2nd October 2023 the sections of the Forensic Science Regulator Act 2021 (“the Act”) which are not already in force. These Regulations are the second commencement regulations under the Act.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

23 May 2023 | Announcement Home Office linked

Publication of Forensic Information Databases Strategy Board annual report

UIN: HLWS779 My rt hon Friend the Minister of State for Crime, Policing and Fire (Chris Philp) has today made the following Written Ministerial Statement:I am pleased to announce that I am, today, publishing the Annual Report of the Forensic …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

23 May 2023 | Announcement Home Office linked

Publication of Forensic Information Databases Strategy Board annual report

UIN: HCWS796 I am pleased to announce that I am, today, publishing the Annual Report of the Forensic Information Databases Strategy Board for 2021-22. This report covers the National DNA Database and the National Fingerprints Database. The Strategy Board Chair, …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

13 Mar 2023 | Guidance Forensic Science Regulator Home Office linked

Code of practice consultation draft (accessible version)

In response to: Forensic science: draft statutory code of practice

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

13 Mar 2023 | Consultation (open) Forensic Science Regulator Home Office linked

The Forensic Science Regulator Act 2021: draft statutory code of practice consultation information and response guidance (accessible version)

In response to: Forensic science: draft statutory code of practice

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

13 Mar 2023 | Consultation outcome Forensic Science Regulator Home Office linked

Code of practice consultation response report (accessible) — outcome published

In response to: Forensic science: draft statutory code of practice

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

13 Mar 2023 | Consultation outcome Forensic Science Regulator Home Office linked

Forensic science: draft statutory code of practice — outcome published

This consultation seeks views on a draft code of practice (‘the code’) to be issued under the Forensic Science Regulator Act 2021.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Code of practice consultation draft (accessible…

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↓ Code of practice consultation draft (399pp) ↓ The Forensic Science Regulator Act 2021: draft statutory co… ↓ The Forensic Science Regulator Act 2021: draft statutory co… (15pp) ↓ Code of practice consultation response report (accessible) ↓ Code of practice consultation response report (56pp)

31 Oct 2022 | Consultation outcome Forensic Science Regulator Home Office linked

Forensic science: draft statutory code of practice — consultation closed

This consultation seeks views on a draft code of practice (‘the code’) to be issued under the Forensic Science Regulator Act 2021.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Code of practice consultation draft (accessible…

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↓ Code of practice consultation draft (399pp) ↓ The Forensic Science Regulator Act 2021: draft statutory co… ↓ The Forensic Science Regulator Act 2021: draft statutory co… (15pp) ↓ Code of practice consultation response report (accessible) ↓ Code of practice consultation response report (56pp)

4 Aug 2022 | Consultation outcome Forensic Science Regulator Home Office linked

Forensic science: draft statutory code of practice — consultation opened

This consultation seeks views on a draft code of practice (‘the code’) to be issued under the Forensic Science Regulator Act 2021.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Code of practice consultation draft (accessible…

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↓ Code of practice consultation draft (399pp) ↓ The Forensic Science Regulator Act 2021: draft statutory co… ↓ The Forensic Science Regulator Act 2021: draft statutory co… (15pp) ↓ Code of practice consultation response report (accessible) ↓ Code of practice consultation response report (56pp)

21 Jul 2022 | Statutory Instrument linked

The Forensic Science Regulator Act 2021 (Commencement No. 1 and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2022

These Regulations bring into force on 25th July 2022 sections 1 (the Forensic Science Regulator), 2 to 4 (code of practice), 5 (investigations by the Regulator), 9 (other functions of the Regulator), 10 (disclosure by the Regulator) and section 12 …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

27 Apr 2022 | Policy paper Home Office linked

Forensic Information Databases strategy board: revised governance rules

Rules which govern the operation of the Forensic Information Databases strategy board.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Revised governance rules for the Forensic Infor…

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↓ Revised governance rules for the Forensic Information Datab… (18pp) ↓ Revised governance rules for the Forensic Information Datab… (24pp)

27 Apr 2022 | Announcement Home Office linked

Publication of Forensic Information Databases Strategy Board annual report and updated governance rules

UIN: HCWS791 I am pleased to announce that I am today publishing the Annual Report of the Forensic Information Databases Strategy Board for 2020-21 and the updated Governance Rules. This report covers the National Fingerprints Database and the National DNA …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

27 Apr 2022 | Announcement Home Office linked

Publication of Forensic Information Databases Strategy Board annual report and updated governance rules

UIN: HLWS765 My rt hon Friend the Minister of State for Crime and Policing (Kit Malthouse) has today made the following Written Ministerial Statement:I am pleased to announce that I am today publishing the Annual Report of the Forensic Information …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

17 May 2021 | Announcement Home Office linked

Appointment of the Forensic Science Regulator

UIN: HLWS30 My hon Friend the Minister of State for Crime and Policing (Kit Malthouse) has today made the following Written Ministerial Statement:I am today announcing arrangements for the appointment of the Forensic Science Regulator. Following an open competition c...

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

29 Apr 2021 | Royal Assent linked

Forensic Science Regulator Act 2021 — Royal Assent

A Bill to make provision for the appointment of the Forensic Science Regulator; to make provision about the Regulator and about the regulation of forensic science; and for connected purposes. Originated in the Commons.

▤ View Bill · ↗ Parliament

22 Apr 2021 | Bill stage linked

Forensic Science Regulator Bill

Third Reading 13:19:00 Motion Moved by Lord Kennedy of Southwark: That the Bill do now pass. Lord Kennedy of Southwark (Lab Co-op): I beg to move that the Bill do now pass. In moving this Motion, I wish to make …

▤ View Bill · ↗ Parliament

15 Apr 2021 | Bill stage linked

Forensic Science Regulator Bill

Order of Commitment 13:20:00 Moved by Lord Kennedy of Southwark: That the order of commitment be discharged. Lord Kennedy of Southwark (Lab Co-op): My Lords, I understand that no amendments have been set down to this Bill and that no …

▤ View Bill · ↗ Parliament

19 Mar 2021 | Bill stage linked

Forensic Science Regulator Bill

Second Reading 14:41:00 Moved by Lord Kennedy of Southwark: That the Bill be now read a second time. Lord Kennedy of Southwark (Lab Co-op): My Lords, I pay tribute to my honourable friend the Member for Bristol North West, Mr …

▤ View Bill · ↗ Parliament

19 Mar 2021 | Lords stages linked

Forensic Science Regulator Act 2021 — Lords stages

A Bill to make provision for the appointment of the Forensic Science Regulator; to make provision about the Regulator and about the regulation of forensic science; and for connected purposes. Originated in the Commons.

▤ View Bill · ↗ Parliament

12 Mar 2021 | Bill stage linked

Forensic Science Regulator Bill

Bill, as amended in the Public Bill Committee, considered. Third Reading 14:03:00 Darren Jones (Bristol North West) (Lab): I am grateful to the Leader of the House for granting time to debate private Members’ Bills today. Following a full debate …

▤ View Bill · ↗ Parliament

12 Mar 2021 | Third reading linked

Forensic Science Regulator Act 2021 — Third reading

A Bill to make provision for the appointment of the Forensic Science Regulator; to make provision about the Regulator and about the regulation of forensic science; and for connected purposes.

▤ View Bill · ↗ Parliament

11 Nov 2020 | Committee stage linked

Forensic Science Regulator Act 2021 — Committee stage

A Bill to make provision for the appointment of the Forensic Science Regulator; to make provision about the Regulator and about the regulation of forensic science; and for connected purposes.

▤ View Bill · ↗ Parliament

25 Sep 2020 | Second reading linked

Forensic Science Regulator Act 2021 — Second reading

A Bill to make provision for the appointment of the Forensic Science Regulator; to make provision about the Regulator and about the regulation of forensic science; and for connected purposes.

▤ View Bill · ↗ Parliament

2 Sep 2020 | Announcement Home Office linked

Biennial Report of the National DNA Database Strategy Board

UIN: HLWS426 My hon Friend the Minister of State for Crime, Policing and the Fire Service (Kit Malthouse) has today made the following Written Ministerial Statement:I am pleased to announce that I am, today, publishing the Annual Report of the …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

2 Sep 2020 | Announcement Home Office linked

Biennial Report of the National DNA Database Strategy Board

UIN: HCWS431 I am pleased to announce that I am, today, publishing the Annual Report of the National DNA Database Strategy Board for 2018-20. This report covers the National Fingerprints Database and the National DNA Database (NDNAD). The Strategy Board …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

5 Feb 2020 | Bill introduced linked

Forensic Science Regulator Act 2021 — First reading

A Bill to make provision for the appointment of the Forensic Science Regulator; to make provision about the Regulator and about the regulation of forensic science; and for connected purposes.

▤ View Bill · ↗ Parliament

23 Apr 2019 | Policy paper Home Office linked

Joint review of forensics (2018) and implementation plan

A joint review of the provision of forensic science to the criminal justice system in England and Wales and accompanying implementation plan.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Joint review of the provision of forensic scien… (41pp)

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↓ Implementation plan for the joint review of forensics provi… (8pp)

23 Apr 2019 | Policy paper Home Office linked

Forensic science strategy

The government's vision for forensic science in the criminal justice system.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Forensic Science Strategy (web) (27pp)

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↓ Forensic Science Strategy (print) (32pp)

8 Mar 2018 | Bill introduced linked

Forensic Science Regulator Bill — First reading

A Bill to make provision for the appointment of the Forensic Science Regulator; to make provision about the Regulator and about the regulation of forensic science; and for connected purposes.

▤ View Bill · ↗ Parliament

9 Jun 2016 | Consultation outcome Forensic Science Regulator linked

Speech and audio forensic services: draft appendix — outcome published

This consultation seeks feedback on the draft guidance for forensic science practitioners in the criminal justice system.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Draft appendix: speech and audio forensic servi… (10pp)

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↓ Consultation feedback form

29 Jan 2016 | Consultation outcome Forensic Science Regulator linked

Speech and audio forensic services: draft appendix — consultation closed

This consultation seeks feedback on the draft guidance for forensic science practitioners in the criminal justice system.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Draft appendix: speech and audio forensic servi… (10pp)

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↓ Consultation feedback form

7 Dec 2015 | Consultation outcome Forensic Science Regulator linked

Speech and audio forensic services: draft appendix — consultation opened

This consultation seeks feedback on the draft guidance for forensic science practitioners in the criminal justice system.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Draft appendix: speech and audio forensic servi… (10pp)

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↓ Consultation feedback form

16 Nov 2015 | Policy paper Home Office linked

Review of forensic pathology in England and Wales

A review of the provision of forensic pathology services to police and coroners in England and Wales.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ A review of forensic pathology in England and W… (107pp)

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↓ Hutton appendices list (2pp)

10 Jun 2015 | Consultation outcome Forensic Science Regulator Context · primary home: Forensic Science Regulation linked

Forensic Science Codes of Practice: Guidance on validation consultation — outcome published

Comments are being sought on the 'Guidance: Validation Consultation draft'.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Guidance: Validation Consultation draft (48pp)

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↓ Guidance: Validation Consultation draft

10 Jun 2015 | Consultation outcome Home Office Context · primary home: Forensic Science Regulation linked

Forensic Science Regulator consultations — outcome published

The Forensic Science Regulator has published a code of Practice and Conduct for forensic science providers and practioners in the criminal justice system.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Digital forensic services consultation draft (6pp)

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↓ DNA analysis consultation draft (7pp) ↓ Consultation feedback form