It seems a very long time ago that our lives were suddenly changed by the global outbreak of COVID-19.

However, despite the difficulties posed by the coronavirus pandemic, the tremendous effort from all my colleagues at Key Forensic Services has ensured that we remain open to offer a full service to the UK Criminal Justice System throughout this ongoing crisis.

This has not been achieved without difficulties and, indeed, sacrifice from many members of the team. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my colleagues for their dedication and commitment during these challenging times.

I would also like to extend my thanks to our customers for their understanding and magnificent support. Submission levels changed significantly as “normal” patterns of crime were disrupted and, at the same time, social distancing requirements dictated a less efficient delivery process.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during these difficult times.

As CEO of KFS, my two primary objectives remain: We aim to keep all KFS employees safe and well; and we will ensure we continue to deliver the essential service to the UK Criminal Justice System. We will carry on making the appropriate adjustments in line with the changing Government advice.

I am delighted that, during 2020, we have successfully integrated the recently acquired Drugs on Money service into KFS, and we look forward to continuing to deliver this valued service to our policing customers.

Quality and integrity remain at the heart of everything we do, and we fully support the principle of accreditation, wherever available.

We have worked closely with the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) – by using the latest video technology – to ensure that the vital audits can continue. Again, this wasn’t without difficulty but, by working together, we have protected the integrity of these audits. 

I would also like to acknowledge the excellent and professional support and advice we have received from the Forensic Science Regulator during these unchartered times.

We have a number of other service expansions planned for the near future. Naturally, these have been delayed due to the restrictions forced upon us by the pandemic, but we are now making good progress and I look forward to announcing their launch in the near future.

Thank you for all your support and very best wishes during these difficult times,

Nigel Withey
CEO