Dates and Venues

Learn how to approach validation of new or revised methods when reporting results of forensic analysis to the Criminal Justice System in the UK, in line with the requirements of ISO 17025 and the Forensic Science Regulators Code of Practice.

This 2-day Method Validation course gives delegates the opportunity to explore and practise skills through discussion and workshops on topics such as method development and end user requirements.

This training course is suitable for those involved in establishing the reliability, accuracy and suitability of analytical or testing methods used in forensic examination. This can include:

  • practitioners/scientists involved in method development, validation and verification
  • technical leads/experts responsible for reviewing validation data and/or approving validation reports
  • managers responsible for planning resource allocation (time, cost and personnel) to bring new methods into operation

Those who want to understand more generally how ISO 17025 is applied in forensic laboratories may choose to attend our Understanding ISO 17025 for Forensic Laboratories training course.

Key course topics include:

  • considerations before commencing validation work
  • validation of measurement based methods
  • validation of interpretive methods
  • verification of adopted methods
  • reporting validation outcomes
  • considerations when implementing a new or revised method

Over 2 days delegates can expect to follow an agenda similar to:

  • Day 1
    • WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION
    • ISO 17025, ILAC G19, FSR Code of Practice and “validation”
    • Workshop: Is it method development, verification or validation?
    • Process mapping and identification of critical control points
    • Workshop: Who’s the end-user and what are the objectives?
    • Validation planning
    • Validation design
    • LUNCH
    • Workshop: Facts or Opinion. What’s the plan?
    • Sampling
    • Accuracy and Precision
    • Uncertainty of Measurement
    • 3 Rs
    • Workshop:  How big is the elephant?
    • Limits and Linearity
    • Stability and Interference
    • Interpretation and conclusions
    • Assignment for Day 2
    • CLOSE
  • Day 2
    • Assignment Q&A
    • Competence and authorisation to perform validation
    • Validation outcomes and independent review
    • Workshop: Who can do what?
    • LUNCH
    • Validation Report and Library
    • Workshop: Statement of completion
    • Implementation planning
    • Summary
    • CLOSE

On completion of this course delegates will have a clear understanding of what is required to validate methods to meet the legislative requirements of the UK Forensic Science Regulator. Delegates will also gain an overview of the key principles of validating a scientific method in any discipline.