Kathy Clarke, BSc, MFSSoc – Quality Manager & Quality Consultant
Kathy is a highly experienced forensic scientist and Quality Manager, having worked in the forensic science industry for over 30 years.
Starting her career in the Drugs and Toxicology Dept of the Forensic Science Service (FSS) Central Research Establishment Kathy later moved into operational casework. She spent many years in the FSS’ National Drugs Intelligence Team working closely with enforcement agencies across the world using chemical analysis and intelligence information in the investigation of production and import of illicit drugs.
In 1998 Kathy joined the fledgling Forensic Alliance - one of the original 14 scientists. Her many responsibilities included setting up secure storage and logistics, links to specialist analytical services under the appropriate forensic control, customer training, development of quality documentation and method validation.
Through all this, she developed an interest in Quality Systems, particularly how to adapt and operate them to the vagaries of the criminal justice system and forensic science. She took Forensic Alliance through its first ever ISO 17025 accreditation (back in 2005) and, after the merger with LGC, was responsible for the maintenance and development of accreditation across multiple sites; she was instrumental in ISO 17025 accreditation being awarded to numerous new methods following the police procurement initiatives and their accreditation requirements.
Kathy and her team now offer their experience to other organisations who wish to seek certification and/or accreditation to recognised quality management standards such as ISO 9001 and ISO 17025 (including the requirements of ILAC G19 for forensic science laboratories). The team can offer a variety of such services, from initial advice, to helping design a quality management system covering both Management and Technical aspects, to carrying out audits and proficiency testing programs. Ongoing support can be provided for system maintenance and for further development of systems, for example through independent review.
Contact Forensic Access
For more information on how we can assist you with your quality systems development or maintenance, please contact Forensic Access.
