Elsevier

Science & Justice

Volume 57, Issue 1, January 2017, Pages 63-71
Science & Justice

The United Kingdom and Ireland Association of Forensic Toxicologists; establishing best practice for professional training & development in forensic toxicology

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scijus.2016.10.003Get rights and content

Highlights

  • Best practice for training and development in forensic toxicology is proposed.

  • Includes a blend of foundation knowledge, CPD, academic study and ongoing practice

  • The need for a professional career development structure is discussed.

Abstract

The current status of forensic toxicology in the United Kingdom is discussed with an emphasis on professional training and development. Best practice is proposed using a blend of modular foundation knowledge training, continuing professional development, academic study, research & development and ongoing analytical practice.

The need for establishing a professional career structure is also discussed along with a suggested example of a suitable model.

The issues discussed in this paper are intended to provoke discussion within the forensic toxicology community, industry regulators and other government bodies responsible for the administration of justice.

Section snippets

Introduction and background

In many jurisdictions, the structure of forensic science has remained largely unchanged, despite rapid growth and demand in recent years. The primary function of most laboratories is casework production, often with insufficient resourcing being directed towards research, innovation and professional development. The emphasis on production, corporate governance and accountability is often imbalanced by lack of scientific focus, control and regulation – with potentially serious consequences for

Forensic toxicology - background

Forensic toxicology is a well-defined specialism relying heavily on a strong scientific foundation. It differs from many other areas of forensic science and requires particular attention due to the following needs:

  • High capital expenditure (analytical instrumentation) due to the diverse and challenging nature of analyses undertaken and the recent availability of ‘super-instruments’ such as those based on high-resolution mass spectrometry.

  • Technical expertise, requiring specialised training and

Professionalism

There have been many definitions of the term ‘profession’. It has been defined as ‘a disciplined group of individuals who adhere to ethical standards, uphold themselves to, and are accepted by the public as possessing special knowledge and skills’ [6].

This body of knowledge and expertise is usually based on a foundation of academic research, education and training at a high level. As a consequence, practitioners within a profession are supported in fulfilling their responsibility of providing

Career development

The establishment of a suitable tiered and progressive professional career structure would underpin forensic toxicology practice. Such a structure would help enable forensic toxicology to thrive and develop. To enable this development, organisations may wish to support such a structure; the acceptance of such a concept would greatly enhance overall quality and public confidence in the service.

Research, method development, scientific direction & leadership, training, professional development,

Career structure - suggested model

A suggested model for a suitable professional career structure is outlined in Fig. 1a and b. It is based on five career levels (bands); progression to higher levels should involve a combination of on-the-job experience, scientific competence & achievement, management & leadership ability, teaching & research within forensic toxicology. Short-circuiting of the pathway (as a substitute for good corporate planning) should not be acceptable and should be regarded as a quality risk.

There should

Training & development

To complement a professional career structure, a suitable system of ongoing training and development is essential. This may be represented by several parallel strands of activity, within a structured pathway of development. These strands are as follows:

(a) Modular Foundation Knowledge Training

(b) CPD

(c) Analytical Practice

(d) Research, Development & Academic Study

No proposal is being made regarding the funding for training and development initiatives, their regulation and assessment. Such

Conclusion

In this paper, the need for a multi-element professional structure to support forensic toxicology practice is discussed. This includes a suggested career development structure and an ongoing programme of training and development. This may be managed within a number of parallel strands incorporating foundational modular knowledge training, CPD, ongoing practice, research and academic study.

To enhance the programme, academic links should be established.

The discussion generated and principles

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the consultative input provided by the membership of the United Kingdom and Ireland Association of Forensic Toxicologists (UKIAFT) during the preparation of this paper.

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