Job Description
The Toxicology team is responsible for the analysis of body fluids and other biological material for alcohol, drugs and poisons in a wide range of criminal cases. We are looking for a Forensic Reporter to join our dedicated Road Traffic Reporting Team.
Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities
1. Undertake training in case type/s agreed with mentor/line manager
2. Undertake training to report at least one case type (Section 5 or 5A) in line with the Road Traffic Act 1988, as agreed with mentor/line manager.
3. Attend court to give expert testimony following completion of expert witness training.
4. Receive mentoring to develop appropriate case strategies, manage caseload effectively, and ensure quality and cost‑effective approaches.
5. Work within all Standard Operating Procedures, the customer Operational Protocol, Quality Manual, and company policies.
6. Ensure all work (including sub‑contractor work) is authorised, completed within agreed timescales, and delivered within estimated costs where applicable.
7. Ensure all critical findings are checked in line with standard operating procedures.
8. Communicate effectively with the customer throughout each case, covering scientific matters, quality considerations, authorisation/financial obligations, and delivery timelines.
9. Support reporters with their caseloads by drafting statements and assisting with results where appropriate.
10. Seek continual improvement of methodologies, processes, and practices to enhance quality, effectiveness, and cost efficiency.
11. Maintain awareness of laboratory and reporting quality requirements.
12. Provide support to the analytical section as appropriate.
Qualifications
13. Sufficient laboratory experience to identify and understand the issues likely to arise in the types of cases processed, in both scientific and case management terms.
14. Good understanding of the principle behind the analytical techniques used for Road Traffic cases.
15. Good general business awareness and solid understanding of the various requirements of customers.
16. Science based degree.
Preferred Knowledge, Experience and Technical Skills
17. Fully trained and competent in analysis of standard Toxicology sample types, e.g. blood, urine, whether practical or theoretical.
18. Fully trained and competent in analysis/interpretation of results containing common and less common drug types, whether practical or theoretical.
19. Previous experience of working in a busy laboratory environment.
Behaviours
20. Must display patience, determination, attention to detail and integrity at all times.
21. Able to manage a flexible workload; show good organisational skills and high levels of personal resilience with the ability to work to deadlines under pressure.
22. Maintains clear communications with customers, clarifying expectations and monitoring satisfaction levels.
23. Communicate and work co-operatively with others (within the team, with other departments / sites or external associates) focussing on a collective rather than individual goal.
24. Demonstrate initiative; adopting a pro-active attitude to continuous improvement within the areas of science, quality and efficiency.
25. Willing to take on extra duties or responsibilities for the team/department.
Additional Information
Due to the highly sensitive nature of the work, applicants should note that security clearance is required for this role. To gain security clearance you must have five years continuous residency in the UK. Security clearance is undertaken by a third party to police personnel vetting standards (NPPV3 and SC). As such, any criminal convictions (including criminal convictions held by: you, your partner, parents, siblings, children over the age of 10, and anyone living with you who doesn’t fit these relationships) may prevent you from gaining security clearance. Further information on the security clearance process and requirement can be found at. In addition, all successful applicants will be required to undertake drug and alcohol testing prior to commencing employment and provide a DNA sample.
In return for your hard work and loyal service, we will offer you a competitive salary, and a selection of employee benefits via our flexible benefits menu which includes cycle to work, give as you earn, volunteering days, buy and sell holiday. In addition, we also offer the following:
26. Life Assurance (3 times annual salary)
27. Scottish Widows Company Pension Plan
28. 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing to a maximum of 30 days)
29. Employee length of service awards and yearly recognition schemes, celebrating work anniversaries here at EFS.
30. Employee tech scheme
31. Discount vouchers and flexi reward points on our employee wellness hub
32. Everyone who joins EFS will have access to Perkbox allowing you to save money all year round on a wide range of perks such as supermarket savings, days out or your daily coffee
33. Learning and study support
34. Employee Assistance Programme
35. Health Cash Plan membership
36. Enhanced company sick, maternity and paternity pay scheme
37. Refer a friend scheme
38. Subscription to mental health support and wellbeing
39. Free on-site car parking