What are the challenges facing the Forensic Science Regulator? Lord’s continue inquiry

On Tuesday 9 December, the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee will discuss the regulation of Forensic Science in the UK. In its 2019 report, the committee recommended that the Forensic Science Regulator be given statutory powers. This happened in 2021, and in 2023, the first statutory code of practice was published.  

The Committee will take evidence on the changes in forensic sciences in England and Wales since its last inquiry and the challenges the sector currently faces.      

At 10:15 the Committee will hear from:  

• Dr Marc Bailey, Forensic Science Regulator  

• Gary Pugh OBE, Forensic Science Regulator (2021-25) 

• Matt Gantley, CEO, United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS)   

The public evidence session will take place from 10:15 am in Committee Room 1, Palace of Westminster on Tuesday 9 December 2025 and can be viewed live on parliamentlive.tv. 

Topics likely to be covered include:  

• Statutory powers for the Forensic Science Regulator 

• Compliance with the Code and enforcing the Code 

• The existing accreditation and compliance processes 

• The Forensic Science Regulator's role in regulating the marketplace and expanding the scope of the regulator