New senior appointments in UK forensic science

The news originally appeared on Police Oracle.

A range of senior-level appointments have been made in the UK’s forensic science sector across law enforcement, government and regulatory roles.

The NPCC has appointed Paul Gibson, Chief Constable of Lincolnshire Police, as the new NPCC Forensic Portfolio Lead, the most senior forensic-related role in policing. CC Gibson replaces Nick Dean, former Chief Constable of Cambridgeshire Constabulary, who held the role for four years.

Chair of the NPCC Crime Coordination Committee, AC Louisa Rolfe, said: 

“Paul will continue the excellent collaborative working relationships developed by CC Nick Dean and will work closely with colleagues from policing, partner agencies and third sector organisations to lead the development and professionalisation within the forensics capability. I would like to take this opportunity to thank CC Nick Dean for his relentless determination in leading the Forensics Portfolio.”

CC Gibson’s appointment leaves a vacancy within the portfolio for an NPCC Forensic Marketplace Lead, which is responsible for developing a sustainable marketplace strategy by overseeing supplier performance, procurement frameworks, and market stability. Recruitment for the post is underway.

Also within the portfolio in 2024, Jayne Meir, Deputy Chief Constable of Northumbria Police, was appointed as NPCC Digital Forensic Lead. 

Dr Marc Bailey has been appointed as the Forensic Science Regulator for England and Wales, responsible for ensuring forensic services meet the highest standards of quality and integrity. The former regulator, Gary Pugh OBE, took up the role in 2021 and was in post when the regulator’s Code of Practice became statutory.

The Home Office has named Amanda-Jane Balfour as its first Director of Forensic Services. Within the Home Office programme of police reform, Amanda will provide leadership on the design and delivery of forensics as a national service to policing in England and Wales.

In a LinkedIn post, Mrs Balfour said:

"There’s a shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities we face in forensic science delivery — and also a strong foundation of best practice, lessons learned and work ongoing which I look forward to hearing more about."