Forensic Science & Expert Evidence Adviser

Many of the cases we receive within the CCRC require assessment of the potential forensic and expert evidence opportunities that may need to be pursued.
The Forensic Science & Expert Evidence Adviser is a new role, developed after identifying the benefits of an internal subject matter expert joining our team.
The successful candidate will provide advice and guidance to the Casework team to ensure all forensic opportunities are fully explored, including helping to identify appropriate experts, interpreting reports, and assisting in the development of forensic investigative strategies.
You will also be involved in developing a continuous training programme for the Casework team, ensuring that everyone is up to date with current legislation, scientific developments and best practice, and that skills are grown and developed within the team.
Our ideal person will have a comprehensive background in either law enforcement as a crime scene manager or within the criminal justice system as a reporting forensic scientist. You will also have extensive experience of working within major and serious crime (including homicide and RASSO investigations) from a forensic perspective.
We need someone with a thorough knowledge of trace forensics, including DNA profiling, and who has experience supporting investigations through producing forensic strategies., To provide a bridge between CCRC casework and scientific disciplines, supporting staff and Commissioners to identify and pursue appropriate investigative opportunities to obtain fresh forensic or expert evidence, and thereby contribute to:
+ fulfilling the CCRC’s purpose of finding, investigating and referring suspected miscarriages of justice; and
+ achieving the CCRC’s strategic aims.
The Forensic Science and Expert Evidence Adviser will provide subject-matter advice, but they will not provide expert opinion to the CCRC for evidential purposes., + Supporting CCRC investigations by assisting CRMs, GLs and Commissioners in the interpretation of forensic and expert evidence reports, seeking external expertise as necessary.
+ Working with CRMs, GLs, Commissioners and others to identify and follow-up opportunities to obtain new forensic or expert evidence to support CCRC investigations.
+ Assisting CRMs to develop forensic investigative strategies, source appropriate experts and draft instructions.
+ Ensuring the effective procurement of forensic science and expert capabilities and services and, where necessary, supporting CRMs to ensure that commissioned work is completed to the highest standards and in line with relevant quality standards including the Forensic Science Regulator’s Code of Practice and ISO accreditation.
+ Supporting CRMs, GLs and Commissioners in the assessment of expert and forensic evidence to ensure compliance with quality standards, criminal procedure rules, and the effectiveness and credibility of expert witnesses.
+ Maintaining and developing relationships with forensic science providers, the office of the Forensic Science Regulator, other experts and expert bodies, and other CJS agencies.
+ Ensuring that the CCRC keeps up to date with developments and innovation in forensic science, expert evidence, relevant investigations and case law.
+ Identifying thematic opportunities arising from developments in forensic science and expert evidence.
+ Maintaining and developing the CCRC in-house guidance on forensic science and expert evidence.
+ Sourcing and/or developing and delivering regular briefings and training on forensic and expert evidence to develop the skills within the casework team and providing ad hoc training/coaching/mentoring as needed.
+ Assisting the wider Investigations Team, as required by the Head of Investigations., We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
+ Making Effective Decisions
+ Developing Self and Others
+ Communicating and Influencing
+ Working Together, 2. Criteria Questions - evidence of how you meet the criteria listed within the Person Specification. Once you have submitted your application form, if you have met the Lead Criteria you will be asked a number of questions to enable you to provide evidence of how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role. It is essential that you give evidence, using examples, of proven experience when addressing these questions.
The panel will complete the initial sift by 13 December 2024, or soon thereafter. Due to a high level of queries received, we kindly ask that you do not contact us for updates before this time. Regardless of the outcome, we will contact all applicants.
Shortlisted candidates will be asked to undertake a short online assessment, designed to test the key behavioural traits required for this role. This test will be sent to shortlisted candidates week commencing 16 December 2024, with a deadline of 2 January 2025. Instructions will be provided to shortlisted candidates only.
The panel will then review the results of the online assessment, to determine who is selected for interview.
If you are progressed to the interview stage, you will be asked to prepare a presentation as a part of the selection process. Further information will be provided to shortlisted candidates.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to deliver their presentation and attend a panel interview during week commencing 20 January 2025 via Microsoft Teams.
This will be a blended interview based on Civil Service Success Profiles Behaviours, Experience and Strengths.
One of our HR colleagues will be on hand to answer any queries you may have throughout the process.
Please note, the above dates are subject to change. It may not be possible to accommodate alternative requests for assessment and interviews. Please refer to candidate pack for the indicative timeline.
As part of our application process, you will be prompted to provide details of any reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process that you need. If you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments before applying, do contact the HR team in the first instance.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
+ UK nationals
+ nationals of the Republic of Ireland
+ nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
+ nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
+ nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
+ individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
+ Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

+ Extensive experience of working within a law enforcement environment as a crime scene manager or within the criminal justice system as a reporting forensic scientist (lead criteria)
+ Extensive experience of working within major and serious crime (including homicide and RASSO investigations) from a forensic perspective (lead criteria)
+ Extensive experience of supporting investigations through the production of forensic strategies.
+ Experience of developing and delivering training or guidance to others.
+ Extensive knowledge of trace forensics, including DNA profiling.
+ Knowledge of the use of forensic evidence in trial and/or appeal proceedings.
+ Comprehensive knowledge of the issues around retrieval, continuity, storage and retention of exhibits for examination.
+ Sound working knowledge of quality management systems and the Forensic Science Regulator’s Code of Practice and the impact of non-compliance.
+ Strong analytical and reasoning skills - the ability to understand and evaluate how forensic or expert evidence might impact the other evidence in a case.
+ Decision making skills – the ability to exercise sound judgement and a willingness to make evidence-based decisions within ambit of authority
+ The ability to build strong working relationships and operate in a remote working environment
+ Enthusiasm for new technology and the ability to interrogate and use different software applications
+ Organisational skills and problem-solving approach; the ability to deliver at pace, whilst maintaining an eye for detail
Desirable Criteria:
+ Experience of identifying and engaging with forensic science providers and experts
+ Familiarity with other areas of forensic science or expert evidence.

Alongside your salary of £46,500, Criminal Cases Review Commission contributes £13,471 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
We offer a wide range of benefits, including flexible working options. You can also look forward to:
+ A Civil Service pension - this will see us making a significant contribution to your pension fund
+ 29 days' annual leave allowance (pro rata), in addition to eight statutory bank holidays and special leave allowance for your birthday
+ Generous paid maternity, paternity and shared parental leave (SPL) which is in excess of the statutory minimum
+ We have flexible working patterns, including access to a flexible working scheme;
+ We also operate a flexi time system which means you can build up to two additional days off per month
+ Remote working (anywhere in the UK) - we will supply all the kit you need to work from home comfortably and safely
+ Reimbursement for any travel, subsistence, and expenses
+ 3 paid volunteering days per year
+ Access to retail discounts and a cashback site
+ Occupational Health Services and an Employee Assistance Programme
+ Free eye tests and a contribution towards lenses or spectacles for VDU users
To find out more and apply, please visit our website.