Forensic Access profile
Forensic Access - a highly respected independent provider of forensic science expertise in the UK and overseas.
Forensic Access has a longevity and a legacy to be proud of. Formed in 1986 as an independent supplier of quality forensic science services, we have built an enviable reputation for our work in many different sectors providing investigative and analytical forensic science, consultancy (and project work), training and quality management services.
We remain today, independent: the company is a privately owned, Limited company, with no institutional investors and, because we truly focus on science we will work for any sector of the Criminal Justice System (prosecution and defence), as well as for other Government Departments and organisations (including Local Authorities), industry and private individuals. We work in the UK and overseas.
We have a Board of Directors, a management team, employed scientists and administration staff plus a long list of highly experienced consultants and, what we call “associates”: other companies to which we contract work.
Our aim is to deliver safe and sustainable forensic science evidence to the Courts and other customers.
The Forensic Access Reputation
We have achieved and maintain our high reputation in a number of ways:
- Commitment to independence: we are very proud of our independence and we feel that it is vital that the Criminal Justice System in the UK has a forensic provider, who is genuinely independent of, for example, the Home Office, the police, the judiciary and mainstream “prosecution” forensic providers. This independence allows us to offer totally impartial, objective, quality forensic advice, to a broad range of organisations.
- Truly focussing on the science: whether in criminal case work or private work. Part of our recruitment policy is to recruit scientists who will focus on the scientific facts, and, in making interpretations and forming opinions, based on those facts, will not be swayed by the organisation or sector “paying the bill”. We will remain totally impartial and objective.
- Recruitment policy: we only recruit experienced forensic scientists who we know, trust and respect for their experience, skills and integrity. This is fundamental to our work.
- Determination to deliver “quality” forensic science: quality is embedded in Forensic Access, from attainment of recognised quality management standards, to the quality of our people, our facility and our services. Read more about the Forensic Access "Quality Standards, Certification and Accreditation".
- Security and confidentiality: this is at the heart of Forensic Access and gives our customers great confidence in using our services. Our facility has many security features to ensure the safety of our customers files, exhibits and evidence, and our staff are all security cleared (all to the Metropolitan Police Service CTC level, with 6 of these staff cleared to “SC” level, and 3 of these going forward for “DV” clearance [as of July 2010].
- Several members of our team sit within or chair national working groups. We also participate in Public Enquiries.
The Forensic Access Team
As a small company, with a realistic (and limited) growth plan, we have the luxury of being able to spend time on making sure we only recruit the best, and most appropriate people. From our Board of Directors, to our management team, to our scientists and administration staff we have only recruited people whom we know and whose quality of work and integrity we know and understand. Since 2007 we have completely replaced the team of employees and overhauled our list of consultants and associate companies. For more information on our forensic scientists see: "Forensic Access - our forensic scientists".
Our Forensic Science Laboratories
We have a wealth of experience at designing, building and commissioning forensic science laboratories, and in 2008 we moved into our own new suite of labs. Within these specialist laboratories we can undertake examinations of items and recovery of evidence from body fluids, to DNA, to other trace evidence such as glass, paint, textile fibres, etc. Our labs are access and environmentally controlled and are DNA secure. In May 2010 we were accredited to ISO 17025 for certain work (see our Quality Standards page); the assessment for this standard involved / included the operations and environment of our forensic science labs.
Our Forensic Science Services
“Classical” forensic science takes many forms and Forensic Access offers services across the scientific, evidence and case-type spectrum. For example, from examining items for body fluids, recovering such, DNA profiling and interpretation of results, to examining and interpreting fingerprints, to retrieving date off computers and mobile phones. Our forensic science services page offers more details on the full range of services.
Forensic Access Customer Sectors
- Defence: most of our defence work originates from criminal defence solicitors or barristers and is usually funded by Legal Aid. Our scientists can undertake file reviews, re-examinations, re-testing, case conferences, scene visits and, of course, present their evidence in Court.
[ Read more about our forensic services to the defence ]
- Police: we work directly for police forces (either contract work or ad-hoc) or through other forensic providers, where they need to access our specialist forensic science services or forensic science specialists. As of mid-2010 Forensic Access is an approved supplier to the NPIA’s National Forensic Framework Agreement. We also offer a range of support services, many around “quality” (quality standards consultancy, proficiency testing, auditing, etc) and training of personnel.
[ Read more about forensic science for police and prosecution ]
- Other Government Departments, organisations & Local Authorities: we have worked for a number of different Government Departments and organisations on an ad-hoc basis, some crime-based. Due to the growth in child protection issues we also undertake work for Local Authority Children’s Protection Departments. In 2009 we were awarded a contract (now complete) by the Forensic Science Regulator to assist him in the creation and implementation of his quality standards framework.
- Industry: We work for many companies who need to access our particular investigative and scientific expertise. For example, we work for the health and pharmaceutical industries identifying possible contaminants in manufactured products; we assist other manufacturers in carrying out independent checks on their “clean-rooms” to ensure they are free from DNA. We also assist the insurance and loss-adjuster sectors with investigations, particularly in cases of fire. Public Analyst labs occasionally request assistance where they do not have the appropriate analytical or investigative service in-house (usually around body fluids and DNA).
[ Read more about forensic science for industry ]
- Private Individuals: members of the public often contact us asking for support with a variety of issues from drink driving charges, to paternity to worries about partners’ infidelity to identifying tablets and powders.
[ Read more about forensic science for individuals and families ]
Forensic Access – Why We Are Different
As part of trying to build a unique “offer” from other forensic providers, we have tried to ensure that we really do behave differently and that this is clearly visible to our customers and other decision makers:
- we believe all of our staff are truly dedicated to the forensic science profession;
- we are objective and “ethical” – we don’t bias our findings depending on who is paying the bill;
- we are recognised as being thorough and highly professional;
- we are the chosen “partner” for highly sensitive work within certain police forces and other Government organisations;
- we provide a “holistic” approach to casework .... “leaving no stone unturned”;
- we work particularly well as a team, with each individual understanding, respecting and trusting the skills of his/her team member(s);
- share the same goals of the case and business success;
- commitment to getting the work done (not a 9-5 ethos);
- a commitment to customer satisfaction, and dealing rapidly and concertedly with any customer issues that arise. This has resulted in us only having had 2 customer complaints in the last 3 years.
- we have a very experienced Board, who have all committed financially to the company, and who have vast experience in managing and growing forensic science companies safely.
Contact Forensic Access
If you have any questions about Forensic Access, its forensic scientists, it services or how we can assist you/your organisation, then please contact Forensic Access - we look forward to hearing from you.
