Latest News

Seventh Issue of Emerge Published

Emerge is the regular update for policing and the wider criminal justice community on the work of the SPSA. Emerge is now presented in new interactive PDF format.

Read more…

Plans unveilled to speed up forensic support for Scottish police

SPSA Forensic Services has today published proposals to improve the speed, consistency, and cost effectiveness of forensic analysis in Scotland.

Read more…

Scots Police Training Revamp puts Emphasis on Hands-On Experience

Scotland’s new police recruits are to complete their formal training faster, and experience more operational time on the streets as part of the largest shake up of probationer training in recent years.

Read more…

Elizabeth MAcFarlane, HR Business Partner

DSC 0039-1

Elizabeth is an HR Business Partner and supports our Forensic Services business area based in Glasgow, including Dumfries & Galloway scene examination. 

Elizabeth said: "Many people when they think about human resources think it's all about the ‘hire and fire' but it is about much, much more. 

"In reality HR have a crucial role to play in helping to improve the business performance of the organisation. HR contributes to the development of and the accomplishment of the organisations operating plan and objectives. The HR team support managers in effectively managing their units and teams.  I work closely with the management team within fingerprints, laboratory units such as Biology and Chemistry and scene examination.  HR also deal with employees on employment related matters.

"I tailor my days between the office and working out on site with Forensic Services to help them address any issues they might have.  Having a close working relationship with my customer is essential and I make sure I spend time with them to develop this.  It's important that they know I am there for them to provide assistance.  Working closely with the team also helps me gain a greater understanding of their business and the day to day work they are involved in. 

"I enjoy the interaction with people on a daily basis.  My role is varied and challenging and covers the full spectrum of people management issues, including recruitment, training and development, attendance, occupational health, welfare, employee relations and performance. 

"I have also had some great opportunities in relation to my own career development through the Personal Development Review (PDR) process.  I was given the task of reviewing and implementing the organisations Equality and Diversity strategy, which was and still is a huge learning curve.  It has given me fantastic practical experience in the delivery of equality and diversity, including developing policies and training for staff that makes a difference.  It's rewarding to see a project I have worked on bring benefits to the organisation."