1 Sue Carney Consultant Forensic ScientistChallenges Faced by Sole Traders and SMEs Working in the Criminal Justice System Sue Carney Consultant Forensic Scientist

2 Ethos Forensics established 2011My Story: Ethos Forensics established 2011

3 What are the issues?

4 A level playing field?

5 My experiences…

6 My Top 5

7 1. Financial

8 There are many financial issues:Remuneration of expert witness fees are complex Solicitors & barristers are not prompt payers Court attendance fees, if you can find them, are intractable FSPs are charging increasing bench / admin fees The cost of accreditation is astronomical…

9 I have never been paid in full by a crown court

10 No local expert..?

11 …and I am a Mancunian

12 The longest I’ve waited to be paid..?

13 …18 months!

14 2. Communication

15 Criminal Justice Secure Mail3 applications and a year later… success! Requires at least one referee who is on a secure network… But NOT on the CJSM network

16 3. The Legal Aid Agency

17 LAA Issues: Cuts… Fewer cases are fundedUnrealistic expectations of the length of time work will take Or, loathe to pay for consultancy Poor understanding of forensic science processes…

18 Peer review is NOT an “admin process”!

19 4. Timescales

20 Timescales Why are defence barristers in such a rush?Criminal Procedure and Investigation Act 1996: Once the prosecution have disclosed their case to the defence, the defence have 14 days to disclose its own case to the prosecution CPS are not in a hurry to provide authorisation

21 5a. FSP Attitudes

22 FSP Attitudes Inconsistent: Sometimes helpful & welcomingBut often suspicious, defensive or at worst, obstructive

23 5b. FSP Perceptions

24 We do NOT work for “The Dark Side”

25 Experts Instructed by the Defence:Are professional, reputable and impartial Have a job to do: Answer specific questions Address specific scenarios Explain the limitations of the evidence Are not specifically looking for errors

26 Experts Instructed by the Defence:Should be able to demonstrate their competence This is why accreditation is crucially important Should be recognised as reputable The CSoFS as our professional body will help

27 FAPSA has allowed STs and SMEs to have a voice in the forensic science communityWe have been able to network and collaborate with colleagues There’s a future in collaboration There is room in the forensic market for us all

28 There are countless other issuesIn particular, access to tenders SMEs should not be priced out of the market Many can offer niche services I urge all FAPSA members to seriously consider the proposed CSoFS Small Business Division

29 Thank you for listeningI will be glad to chat to FAPSA members prior to this afternoon’s AGM Thank you for listening