It's not all 'shotguns and car chases' for Forensic students

17 April 2009

A brand new quality mark which shows that Forensic Science degree courses are of the quality expected by employers was launched in London last week by Skills for Justice. Courses with the 'Forensic Skillsmark' seal will show companies that those who have studied them are fit for employment in Forensic Science roles.

There has been a big increase in students opting for Forensic Science courses over the last few years, particularly with television programmes such as CSI glamourising the roles with their depictions of the world of Forensics being about 'shotguns and sunglasses'. Yet in reality Forensic Scientists need to have a background in the sciences to prepare them for roles with UK Police Forces or other organisations offering Forensic services, many of these roles are laboratory-based.

Alan Woods OBE, Chief Executive of Skills for Justice and the president of the Forensic Science Society (FSSoc), Brian Rankin, launched Forensic Skillsmark at Skills Summit 2009 – an annual summit on skills in the Justice sector, organised by Skills for Justice. The summit focused on working together and developing people, and it was this partnership approach between Skills for Justice and the FSSoc that has resulted in the creation of Forensic Skillsmark.

Speaking at the launch Brian Rankin said that Forensic Skillsmark "provides quality assurance for students, parents and employers as well as overall confidence to the Criminal Justice System and the public. Forensic Skillsmark is a significant step in the drive to raise standards in forensic science".

Alan Woods OBE, Skills for Justice Chief Executive said:

"We have been working with the Forensic Science Society to introduce this quality mark for Forensic Science courses, as a way of assuring employers that the quality of learning really prepares those studying for employment in Forensic Science roles. It is clear that Forensic Skillsmark will provide evidence of excellence."

The University of Lincoln has been quick off the mark, having achieved Skillsmark recognition, and is now well on the way to having its Forensic Science degree courses endorsed by Forensic Skillsmark. Professor Peter White, Professor of Forensic Science at the University said:

"We want our students to be employable and have every opportunity for success. The course covers the full process from the crime scene to court. We do crime scene investigation, and then take that into the laboratory, so students will know as a forensic scientist how evidence has been gathered. At the end, our graduates will have the investigative, problem-solving skills and critical thinking that are needed."

The creation of Forensic Skillsmark is a brand new addition to the Skillsmark accreditation scheme, developed in consultation with employers by Skills for Justice to help employers identify education and training that meets their needs. It is awarded to learning providers who have gone through a rigorous assessment process to be recognised as providing high quality learning programmers relevant to the needs of employers. After recognition, the next step is to have specific courses endorsed by Skillsmark.

For more information please contact Ally Mogg, Marketing & Communications Manager on 0114 231 7387 or email ally.mogg@skillsforjustice.com