Head of Physical Forensics

14696

1
MO4 Forensic Services
Lambeth
LAMBETH HQ
Band S
Full Time
36 hours per week
Permanent

Job Title: Head of Physical Forensics

Salary: Competitive Salary

Location: Lambeth


Forensic Excellence, through innovation and partnership.

Forensic Services is aligned to the strategic objectives of the Commissioners turnaround plan, providing an essential and critical contribution to the investigation of crime and the administration of justice, through a wide range of technical and scientific expertise to investigate, detect and reduce crime.

As an integral part of the Metropolitan Police Service, Forensic Services contributes significantly to making London safer by delivering an operating model that enables Police Officers to access key forensic tools and services. From kiosk download of digital devices through to expert services in biology and trace evidence, firearms, drugs analysis, specialist imaging, evidence recovery, exhibit analysis, friction ridge detail comparison and digital examination; forensic services are provided by a talented and diverse workforce who give critical impartial evidence in court.

The service employs one of the largest bodies of police staff within the Metropolitan Police Service and is the largest forensic organisation in the United Kingdom, within both Policing and the commercial sector.

Role of Head of Physical Forensics

To provide overall leadership and management of all Physical Forensic laboratory capabilities, providing strategic direction on the development and application of policies, processes and systems relating to the delivery of physical forensic science, ensuring the provision of an effective, efficient, and comprehensive service to the investigation of crime. You will be responsible for the day-to-day delivery of these services within the Forensic Quality Management System ensuring that services meet the requirements of the Forensic Science Regulator’s Statutory Code as well as compliance with legal, ethical, and professional requirements set by the MPS and relevant external bodies.

 

As a Member of the Forensic Services Senior Leadership Team, you will:

  • Provide visible, approachable leadership to all the forensic staff in the MPS.
  •  Shape and develop the delivery of forensic services to the investigation of crime and the reduction of harm to the public, and ensure criminal cases are dealt with justly.
  • Drive performance improvement and ensure the achievement of the Directorate business objectives including achievement of agreed service levels within the overall MPS performance framework and relevant Service Level Agreements.
  • Represent the Directorate of Forensic Services at senior level within the MPS and with external agencies contributing to the achievement of wider MPS and national initiatives.
  • Demonstrate effective visible safety leadership, understand H&S policy and lead compliance within area of responsibility.
  • Implement the principles and requirements of H&S policy in your day-to-day activities and within the teams you work/manage.
  • Encourage open dialogue and feedback on safety issues.
  • Ensure the effective operation of the Forensic Services Quality Management System including maintenance of accreditation and compliance with the requirements of the Forensic Science Regulator’s Statutory Code.
  • Ensure the effective operation of the competency framework and professional development programme for forensic practitioners and managers.

 Responsibilities Specific to Head of Physical Forensics

  • Responsible for the strategic development of the vision and objectives for physical forensic science, ensuring strategic alignment with the Commissioner’s Turnaround Plan.
  • Lead, manage and coordinate the efficient and effective provision and delivery of physical forensic science to support MPS investigations.
  • Responsibility for establishing customer requirements and implementing an effective performance framework for delivery, taking into account demand, capacity, service levels and quality required.
  • To provide oversight and ensure the effective integration of in-house and external provision of physical forensic science to maximise efficient and effective operational delivery.
  • To ensure the effective integration of all physical forensic science laboratory activities with other operational forensic services (Biometrics, Digital and Front Line) to maximise efficient and effective operational delivery.
  • Ensure the strategic response, formulation and implementation of policy, procedures, and guidelines for all aspects of work to satisfy MPS requirements, requirements of the Forensic Science Regulator including compliance with the Regulator’s Statutory Code, including accreditation to international standards where applicable. This includes maintenance and extension of ISO 17025 accreditation.
  • Ensure the completion of audit and inspection processes and the investigation and resolution of complaints and necessary improvement actions addressing quality of service issues.
  • To define future requirements of physical forensic science activity and to ensure effective integration of these requirements with the work of the Continuous Improvement Team, both in delivering continuous Improvement and in setting the user requirements for innovation in this area.
  • To oversee and ensure the professional development of staff ensuring the skill base and achievement of competence provide the capability needed to deliver services, and that those staff who act as expert witnesses within the Criminal Procedure Rules discharge their duty within the criminal law efficiently and effectively.
  • Proactively manage the performance, attendance, and wellbeing of staff against the required standards to ensure they are dealt with and supported in accordance with the correct policies and procedures.
  • Ensure that management information is developed, compiled, and assessed in relation to the performance and productivity of all elements of physical forensic science and ensure appropriate progress is made against Service Level Agreements.
  • Identify major programmes of change and promote best practice across the MPS and nationally, ensuring MPS are represented and at the forefront of future developments to processes, systems, and technology in respect of physical forensic science. Working with partners and representing the Force at a regional and national level, (e.g., Transforming Forensics, Forensic Capability Network).
  • To ensure the efficient and effective use of resources/assets within physical forensic science including buildings, equipment, and other installations in line with MPS policy.
  • To act as budget holder for physical forensic science, ensuring that finances are managed effectively and within the agreed budget.
  • To be accountable for the forensic casework spend under the Physical Forensics Contract.
  • To lead and oversee the transformation of Physical Forensics associated with the introduction of digital workflows and a Case Management System. To ensure efficiency and effectiveness is optimised while maintaining quality standards in new ways of working.

Key Result Areas

1. Operational Delivery

Ensure that the appropriate resources are maintained across the MPS to deliver Physical Forensic services. Taking into account that investigations must be conducted in full compliance with MPS Policy, NPCC Guidance, PACE, CPIA, RIPA and ECHR legislation; to ensure delivery of outcomes against Key Performance Indicators defined within Service Level Agreements; by the accurate prioritisation and delivery of services within budget (£36m).

2. Capability Building

Build the capabilities in respect of Physical Forensic services, including the identification and development of effectiveness and efficiency improvements; in order to ensure the capabilities are developed to meet the changing and growing operational needs. Requires working with national bodies, MPS units, Forensic Services’ Continuous Improvements, and environmental scanning to identify the future needs.

3. Accreditation & Professional development

Maintenance and increase to scope of accreditation to ISO 17025 in Physical Forensics to meet Regulator’s Statutory Code and other legislative requirements; by ensuring professional development plans are in place to maintain competence across the unit; ensuring all physical forensic science evidence is presented in a quality management system (QMS) to maximise impact within the Criminal Justice System (CJS).

4. Forensics Change

Ensure that Forensic Services changes and develops to keep pace with the needs of the Criminal Justice System and the needs of victims. Working with Forensics SLT to prioritise and deliver technology projects and infrastructure investment.

5. People

Ensure that staff welfare and training programmes are in place, to achieve quality service delivery in an area where development and retention of competent staff is key. By developing an effective people strategy for Physical Forensics, that is complementary to the overall Forensic Services strategy.

Scope for Impact

  • Owns the Met’s physical forensic science capability.
  • Responsible for operational delivery and strategic direction of physical forensic science services.
  • Responsible for setting the standard for forensic scientists and practitioners in the MPS, aligned to regulator standards.
  • Influence MPS senior leaders to see the role of physical forensic science in policing.
  • Influence the MPS strategy and direction for physical forensic science.
  • Influence the national forensics strategy, representing the MPS at NPCC working groups.

Dimensions

  • Responsible for managing c350 staff.
  • Responsible for department budget of c£36m.
  • Responsible for significant volume of casework (c13,000 submissions per annum).
  • Responsible for MPS strategy and development of Physical Forensic science capabilities.
  • Role has a national and international role in influencing the use of physical forensic science capabilities in law enforcement.

Please click on the below link to view an online candidate information pack that will you give you an insight into the Met, the competency framework we use which shapes our daily work behaviours, the application process, and a host of other information, that will help inform and support your application:

https://sscl-innovation.com/MPScandidatepack/

Click the apply now button below and start your career at the Met. Applications will be via a detailed CV and online application form.

Completed applications must be submitted by 5 June 2023.

www.metpolicecareers.co.uk

Knowledge

  • Strategic understanding and management experience at a senior level of an organisation delivering forensic services.
  • Understanding of accreditation requirements for ISO 17020 and ISO 17025 international standard and the Forensic Science Regulator’s Statutory Code.
  • Understanding of and knowledge of legislation as it pertains to physical forensic science relevant to the investigation of crime.
  • Detailed understanding of the role of physical forensic science in an operational policing context.
  • Understanding of the MPS Turnaround Plan including the values of the organisation.
  • Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience.

 Skills

  • Communication – ability to communicate at all levels from frontline officers and staff to Management Board.
  • Relationship Building – ability to build strategic relationships both within the MPS and with external agencies.
  • Leadership – ability to motivate and develop large teams.
  • Financial Management – ability to manage a large budget in an operational and strategic environment.
  • Strategic Vision – ability to build a strategy to meet organisational requirements.
  • Change – ability to be flexible and adaptable in managing change.
  • Technology – ability to define and use technological solutions to improve effectiveness.

 Experience

  • Experience of working in policing, or in forensic science in support of law enforcement.
  • Experience of negotiation and interaction with senior leaders.
  • Experience of managing large teams.
  • Experience of managing a large budget.
  • Experience of leading teams through cultural change.
  • Experience of achieving or maintaining forensic accreditation.

Communications & Working

 Role holder needs to communicate and build working relationships with:

  • Directors within Forensic Services.
  • Forensic SLT leads.
  • Senior Operational Leads (from Supt to DAC level).
  • Senior managers within Forensic Services overseeing operational service delivery, people and professionalism, compliance and change programmes.
  • Partners and suppliers of commercial forensic services.
  • MPS enabling services (including HR, Finance, Commercial & Digital Policing).
  • MPS transformation leads (incl. programme manager & business change).
  • Home Office and other government agencies.
  • External Partners (HMRC, NCA & other agencies).
  • Forensic Science Regulator & National Forensics groups.

 Other

  •  Be prepared to follow an on-call arrangement for immediate response if required.
  •  Vetting to Recruit Vetting (RV)/ Counter Terrorism Check (CTC).
  •  Prepared to work flexibly to meet the needs of the department
  •  Although a ‘normal place of duty’ will be identified, work could be undertaken at any MPS or partner locations.

 

Method of application: please provide a detailed CV. 

Interview stages:

Stage 1 - Successful candidates at application stage will be invited to attend MO4 Forensic Services. 

During this visit you will be asked to discuss with the panel what knowledge, skills and experience you will bring to the role. You will have the opportunity on this visit to tour the facilities at Forensic Services.

Stage 2 - Successful candidates from stage 1 will then be invited for a formal interview based on the CVF for Policing Level 3.

Director of Operations

Disability Confident Statement 

The Met is committed to being an inclusive employer with a diverse and representative workforce at all levels. We encourage applications from people from the widest possible range of backgrounds, cultures and experiences. We particularly welcome applications from ethnic minority groups and females.

As a Disability Confident employer, the Met has committed to making disability equality part of our everyday practice. We ensure that people with disabilities and those with long term health conditions have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations. If you consider yourself to have access, workplace or reasonable adjustment requirements that need to be accommodated, we ask that you include this information within your application form. All matters will be treated in strict confidence and will not affect any recruitment decisions.

Read our full disability confidence statement.

Disability Confident Employer

This opportunity is closed to applications.