April Robson is currently the Training Manager for The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.
She has worked in the field of Forensic Science since 1990. April began her career in the Forensic Science Service, Wetherby as an examiner and during this time she practised in a wide range of forensic search and examination disciplines that laid the foundations for her expertise today. During this time, she trained both Police Officers in forensic awareness and trainee forensic scientists in trace evidence and biological examinations and recovery.
April moved South to join Forensic Alliance Ltd in 1998 as one of the original founders where she helped with the implementation of ISO 17025, the design, execution and layout of the laboratories and the development of the customer services department, including handling of the exhibits.
In 2003 she was deployed to Iraq alongside a senior scientist, under the instruction and command of the Royal Military Police to investigate the alleged murders of two British soldiers during the Iraq conflict.
April further developed her specialist forensic examination skills, such as searching and examining items of clothing and weapons involved in major crime cases for trace materials (fibres, glass, paint, hairs) and for body fluids (blood, semen, saliva, etc.). This together with an extensive knowledge of all forensic biological and chemical examinations, she worked alongside senior scientists, with great success in uncovering evidence in many murder trials, locating the minutest of trace evidence that on occasion had been previously overlooked. April has been directly involved with many high-profile cases, particularly historic re-investigations.
April also has extensive experience in developing, leading, and training courses for forensic scientists, at laboratory entry and MSc level both in the UK and internationally.
April joined Axiom International as a Forensic Principal in 2011 to work alongside Huddersfield University to lead the operational/casework aspect of an MSc in Forensic Science to 108 International students. This was the first, and to date, the only course of its kind in the UK. Within this unique role she designed, implemented, and delivered the forensic training for biological and trace evidence in the laboratory and the crime scene. As the project lead she also managed a full team of scientists to deliver training in all forensic disciplines, including Quality Assurance. After successfully completing the course, she further managed the in-country support alongside a team of scientists in Libya. This involved laboratory design and build, design and implementation of a full Quality system including Health and Safety Procedures and support to the scientists in investigating their first ‘live’ cases.
In addition, April has a wealth of experience in developing, writing, implementing, and maintaining SOP’s for both ISO 9001 and ISO 17025 accreditation.
CSFS Background
April became a professional member of The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences in 2018 and has been directly involved as a consultant on the Generic Quality Management System project and has recently qualified as an auditor for ISO 17025:2017.