ISO 17025 Accreditation

Forensic Analytics’ Journey to Compliance with the Forensic Science Regulator’s Code

Our recent webinar to several hundred practitioners in the UK took viewers through our work to achieve ISO 17025 accreditation and compliance with the Forensic Science Regulator’s Code of Practice.

On 20 November 2025, Forensic Analytics hosted an in-depth session exploring one of the most critical topics in modern forensic practice: achieving ISO 17025 accreditation and compliance with the Forensic Science Regulator’s Code or Practice. The webinar featured insights from Steve Rick, CEO, and Martin Hanly, Chief Risk & Compliance Officer, who  explained the processes followed, lessons learned, and the broader implications for the forensic community. The session also featured special guest speaker, Ruth Halkon from The Police Foundation, who shared insights on citizens’ evidence research and appealed for interview volunteers. 

The full recording is available on our Customer Portal, click here to log in.  

This blog provides a snapshot of the key themes discussed at the session. Stay tuned for more resources and updates over the coming months as we continue to support the forensic community in meeting compliance challenges. 

Why Accreditation Matters 

Steve Rick opened the discussion by explaining the motivation behind pursuing ISO 17025 accreditation. At its core, accreditation is about transparency, and reliability; values that underpin the integrity of forensic evidence. Steve highlighted the societal risks of unreliable evidence and why rigorous standards are essential to prevent miscarriages of justice. 

The Accreditation Journey

Martin Hanly walked attendees through Forensic Analytics’ structured approach to gaining accreditation in October 2025 to ISO17025 and full compliance with the Forensic Science Regulator’s Code for cell site analysis (DIG-200),This journey required significant organizational effort, including implementing a robust Quality Management System (QMS) via the Qualio platform, ensuring all processes were standardised, auditable, and continuously improved. 

Technical Compliance for Cell Site Analysis 

The webinar covered the technical and operational aspects of compliance: 

  • Software and Hardware: CSAS and Lima Cell Monitor were validated as critical tools for surveying, mapping, CDR normalisation, and survey integration. 

  • Standard Operating Procedures: Our SOPs were carefully produced, and are managed using a  comprehensive Quality Management System. 

  • Competency Frameworks: Role-specific training, competency assessments, and visual frameworks mapped skills across casework support, RF specialists, and reporting practitioners. 

  • Peer Review and Proficiency Testing: Structured peer reviews and collaborative exercises with the Forensic Capability Network reinforced accuracy and consistency. 

Validation was a cornerstone of the process. Martin detailed how the team created validation plans, conducted systematic testing with ground truth data, and produced comprehensive validation reports and risk assessments. The outcome is clearly beneficial to all concerned: consistent methodologies, improved efficiencies, and a commitment to reassessment with every software release. 

Forensic Analytics also announced plans to share validation templates and resources with the wider forensic community in 2026. 

Audience Q&A Highlights 

Key questions addressed included: 

  • Do investigators need accreditation? Yes, those presenting communications data in court in England and Wales must comply with the Regulator’s Code. 

  • Will validation materials be shared? Forensic Analytics confirmed plans to make templates and reports available. 

  • Impact on workload? Accreditation took a lot of time and detailed effort, but the long-term benefits are clear: consistency, efficiency, and improved methodologies. 

Looking Ahead: Digital Citizen Evidence Research 

The session concluded with Ruth Halkon from the Police Foundation introducing a six-month research project on the use of digital citizen evidence, from smartphone footage to smart home devices. The project aims to identify best practices and challenges, inviting participation from police forces and practitioners across the UK and beyond. 

Survey Links: 

Further Questions?  

If you have any questions or want to learn more, please contact us here.