As the pre-eminent international professional body for forensic practice both in the UK and abroad, we are the voice for Forensic Practitioners, individuals and organisations related to professionalism in Forensic Science. We hold Chartered status in the UK, but provide representation, guidance and support worldwide.
The main aim of the Society is to be the professional body for all Forensic Practitioners.
The Strategic Vision of the Society is that, as a professional body, we will strive to achieve the following within the next five years:
The Council meet regularly to discuss and agree all aspects of Society business under the chairmanship of the President, guided by the Immediate Past President and/or President-Elect. Specific actions are allocated to Council members or employees as appropriate, and the outcomes fed back to Council.
In addition to our work supporting all aspects of Forensic practice, we represent those individuals and organisations aspiring to be, or who are already involved in any way with the practice or profession of Forensic Science, thus we actively support and represent not just 'scientists', but also professionals from fields such as academia, law, medicine, management, and law enforcement.
The Society is a UK-registered Charity. It is governed by a council of 10 volunteer members who are each individually elected for a set term by and from within the Society's membership; each of the Council members are Trustees of the Charity.
As well as the President, Vice President, and Immediate Past President, four of the Council members are also elected to specific Honorary roles, namely that of Treasurer, Secretary, Editor, and Chair of Quality Standards. The Council in turn appoint, and are assisted in the day-to day administration and running of the Society by a small dedicated team of full and part-time employed staff under the overall management of a Chief Executive Officer.
The Council may also co-opt additional members for specific tasks from time to time.
First, we 'give a voice' to the profession, engaging with organisations and Governments on all aspects of the profession, including areas such as recruiting, employment, good practice, training & education and standards.
Second, we support networking at every level, bringing individuals and organisations together to network, engage in dialogue, and develop common standards and good practice for the profession as a whole.
Third, we support a full range of opportunities for professional development, through our publications and conferences, our Continuing Professional Development scheme, access to academic and vocational training, and through professional status including membership levels and formal Accredited and Chartered Recognition.
Although we are UK-registered and based, we are a global organisation with members worldwide; currently we support members in over 60 countries across Europe, North and South America, the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Region.
As the pre-eminent professional body, we aspire to be the voice of the profession and represent all those individuals and organisations involved in Forensic Science who are members of the Society.
Not necessarily; whilst a good level of degree is helpful, it’s not essential; employers these days are often focussed just as much on the specific knowledge, skill and experience a candidate can bring to the role, rather than the level of academic qualification they hold.