Education

Biography

Bob is currently the director of undergraduate studies leading the forensic science programmes at the University of Kent. He has almost 30 years practical experience working in the field of forensic science, teaching and policing study. During this period he has been responsible for the management of many serious and notable crime scenes. In addition he has undertaken much development work both in the UK and abroad and is the author of several national reviews of forensic science. For his services to forensic science he was made an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list of 2008.

Research Interest

Research interests are in the practical applications of forensic science to solve both minor and major crimes and leading undergraduate research in areas of toxicology; the analysis of legal highs as well as other biometric projects.

Scientific Activities

Membership of Professional Bodies

• Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (2008) for services to forensic science
• Fellow of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences & (past) Honorary Secretary of UK professional body
• Magistrates Association – Executive Council Member (HM Justice of Peace)
• EPSRC Grant Assessor (past)
• Grant assessor – US National Institute of Justice

Key qualifications and experience

• Master’s degree – MA, MSc, M.Litt (distinction)
• All Masters level study with significant components focusing upon management and forensic science within the policing sector. Most recent consultancies – European Commission Team Leader, developing sustainable improvement in the Egyptian Forensic Medical Authority. This successful project focused exclusively on improving clinical and pathology services provided in Egypt. Substantial work streams included the detailed assessment of analytical and toxicology services as well as the DNA section, which support the effective delivery of forensic medicine in Egypt. The project focused upon the developing the quality framework to support the delivery of these services; produce a roadmap for change and sustainable improvement.
• The Most recently, summer 2014, consultancy to Calgary Police Service, focusing upon the delivery of forensic science services in Calgary.
• Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences Diploma (past) in Crime Scene Examination in 1994
• Senior Professional Management Development And Administrative Training (SPAT) - Cabinet Office, 2009
• Over 29 years of relevant professional experience in institutional capacity building, including staffing, supervision, evaluation and accreditation.
• Previously the Head of the Science and Technology Section in the Home Office Police and Crime Standards Directorate where I lead national projects on performance management and making sure best value was obtained from investment in biometric databases. For a time, supporting the rollout of NABIS and CCTV technology. Other work streams included – leadership of our fingerprint development plans as well as promoting good practice through the delivery and publication of work focusing on cold case review in sexual offences. I lead Scientific Work Improvement Modelling (SWIM) nationally whereby every police service in the country underwent a detailed performance review of their scientific processes.
• Over 30 years of experience in judicial systems liaising between forensic police services and justice officials. Elected as Justice of the Peace in 2011.
• Numerous technical assistance provided to judicial authorities worldwide; most recently expert consultant – reviewing the provision of forensic science services in Northern Ireland (a government report published). I am the programme leader and senior expert leading this work reporting directly to the EU delegation and Egyptian Ministry of Justice.
• 10 years of relevant professional experience with international and European forensic organisations (Home Office in the UK and Interpol in Lyon) with a focus on strategic planning and monitoring; I have extensive knowledge of forensic legislation applied in EU Member States. Whilst at the Home Office, made various visits to EU Brussels to advise on biometric legislation.
• Experience as Forensic Twinning Project Leader attesting thorough knowledge of European Union procedures related to project management (PCM). Work with the Department for International Development in Ethiopia focused significantly on the development of forensic medicine both clinical and pathology in the country.
• Previous experience in formulating project/programme fiche and tendering documents including the Prime Ministers Street Crime Initiative, project fiche for forensic performance project with Turkish National Police. This project was staged under EU twinning and included the procurement of biometric systems and consumables including AFIS and DNA conforming to EU procurement rules.
• Previous experience in providing on the job training to high and sustainable standard to police services, forensic services and national bodies Lead inspections in Scientific Support Units and criminal justice functions in direct support of her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary. These include civilian and military organisations.
• Advice and assistance to the US and Canadian Governments in developing biometric systems and the surrounding legislation.
• Secondment to work with professional change consultants KPMG as part of the Home Office programme of work – QUEST; looking particularly at the effective and efficient use of science and technology.

Publications