Published by Skills for Justice
Strategic workforce planning for Scotland’s Forensic Services
Date 09.04.26
Forensic Services plays a crucial role in Scotland’s justice system, handling tens of thousands of investigations, DNA samples and scene examinations every year. With demand becoming more complex and technology evolving rapidly, the Scottish Police Authority commissioned Skills for Justice to develop a long-term strategic workforce plan to ensure the service has the right people, skills and resilience for the future.
Working in close partnership with the Forensic Services leadership team, we delivered a robust, evidence-led programme using our Six Steps Methodology to Integrated Workforce Planning®. Through extensive engagement, detailed data analysis, scenario modelling and demand forecasting, we created a forward-looking plan that strengthens decision-making, highlights future workforce pressures, and aligns workforce priorities with financial planning and service needs.
The final plan, which has now been approved by the Scottish Police Authority Board, provides clear actions across recruitment, training, retention, culture and governance, helping Forensic Services shift from reactive to proactive workforce planning.
Read the full case study to explore our approach, key findings and the impact already being delivered.