Forensic Foundations provide proficiency testing to simulate real laboratory work 2027

Background and test design

Proficiencytesting@forensicfoundations

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Forensic Foundations International’s (FFI) Proficiency Tests are designed to address the following issues:

• Relevance to forensic science laboratories;
• Limitation of any potential context information;
• Knowledge of the ‘ground truth’ of the samples; and
• Cost affordability for the laboratories.

ISO17025:2017 identifies risk management as an integral component of any scientific testing. FFI has adopted this approach and have designed their Proficiency Tests to address risks, where possible, at all stages of the forensic process.

FFI has adopted the framework embodied in the ISO 21043 ‘Forensic Sciences’ series of Standards in the development of the proficiency tests. These Standards describe the forensic examination process from collection to reporting. Thus, all FFI Proficiency Tests commence with item collection and/or receipt and all the subsequent examination / analysis steps, culminating in the reporting, thus reflecting actual forensic casework (where possible).

FFI Foundations is accredited to ISO17043 ‘Conformity Assessment – General requirements for proficiency testing’ and currently forensic biology, chemical criminalistics, forensic document examination, fingerprints and digital forensics are covered by the scope of accreditation.

Proficiency tests provide a mechanism for participating laboratories to review their results and those of other laboratories to facilitate*:

•  Management of risk
•  Evaluation and appraisal of their performance
•  Continuous improvement,

Forensic Foundations’ Proficiency Tests comply with the requirements of:

• ISO/IEC 17043:2023 Conformity assessment — General requirements for the competence of proficiency testing providers
• NATA General Accreditation Criteria Proficiency Testing Providers
• Guidance on the conduct of proficiency tests and collaborative exercises within ENSFI (relevant sections)

The Final Reports FFI Proficiency Tests will be publicly available via the FFI’s web site however individual laboratory results will remain confidential. Participating laboratories may use the report as outlined in their respective laboratory policies.

In addition to offering a program of proficiency tests, FFI also provide bespoke inter-laboratory collaborative trial, bespoke and blind proficiency tests and validation samples.

Appeals

Any queries or disagreements regarding results should be reported directly to the Director, FFI. Forensic Foundations International will perform an independent full review of the results queried by the participant. This review will be conducted in-line with Forensic Foundations International’s (FFI) Corrective Action procedures. FFI will advise the participant of the outcome of the review. If the outcome of the review is in favour of the participant, then the Report will be amended to reflect the revised evaluation and forwarded to all participants.

• ISO17025 (2017) General requirements for the competency of testing and calibration laboratories.
• NATA (2021) General Accreditation Criteria Proficiency Testing Policy
• ANAB ISO/IEC 17025:2017 – Forensic Science Testing and Calibration Laboratories Accreditation Requirements (2019)
• General Requirements- Proficiency Testing for ISO-IEC 17025 Laboratories (2021)
• EA -4-18 Guidance on  the level and frequency of  proficiency testing participation (2021)
• ILAC-P9 ILAC Policy for Participation in National and International Proficiency Testing Activities (2024)

When the PT provider is required by law or authorized by contractual arrangements to release confidential information, the client concerned shall be notified of the information released, unless prohibited by law.

Participants will be notified in advance, of products and services that are provided externally, if they can affect the validity of the Proficiency Test activities.

FORENSIC FOUNDATIONS INTERNATIONAL PTY LTD

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Forensic Foundations International (FFI) Proficiency Tests are developed on an annual cycle. There will be some variation in the products and determinants offered each year.

FFI offers both tests covered by our scope of ISO17043 accreditation (accredited tests) and tests set up under the same conditions but not covered under our scope of accreditation (non-accredited tests).

Program Changes:

Forensic Foundations International (FFI) retains the right to vary the program to deal with unforeseen circumstances. This includes cancelling or rescheduling or changing the scope of any advertised proficiency test if the occasion obliges us to do so.

Payment:

Payment for the Proficiency Test (including any shipping) must be paid prior to the distribution of the test.

Cancellation:

• By the client. 100% refund (less financial bank charges) will be made up to the first day of the month before the month advertised for the distribution of the test. No refund will be paid after this date.
• By FFI: 100% refund

Intellectual Property

All intellectual property including graphics including logos, design of tests and form of the collation and assessment of results remains the property of FFI.

Confidentiality

Participant results remain confidential unless the participant waives this confidentiality, or we are required by law to product the results.

The Final Reports of this FFI Proficiency Tests (including de-identified results) are publicly available via the Forensic Foundations International website. Participating laboratories may use the report as outlined in their respective laboratory policies.

Review and / or Appeal

Any request to review and/or appeal the evaluation of a laboratory’s performance should be made via the agency responsible for the distribution of the test or directly to Forensic Foundations International. Appeals will be evaluated using Forensic Foundations International’s customer complaint process.

Privacy Note:

Forensic Foundations International complies with the National Privacy Principles reflected in the Commonwealth Privacy Act 1998. The information you provide will only be used by Forensic Foundations to distribute Proficiency Test information to you. If you would not like to receive information from Forensic Foundations, please email admin@ffint.com.au.