Template for Step by Step Guidance for Face to Face FMEs of SARC Clients during the COVID-19 Pandemic

This template has been drawn up to assist in the management of SARC cases requiring an FME during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It has been reviewed by a number of stakeholders including the Forensic Science Regulator, Forensic scientists, CPS, Police RASSO Leads and NHS England.

In the spirit of the good practice to record, retain and reveal, users might find it useful to print off the version of the template that they use in a particular case, ticking off actions etc. and retaining within the FME records as evidence of the guidance that they were working to at the time of the FME. If they do so, they should record their name, date, time and sign the template.

The guidance below is based on a Police referral. For Self-referrals it can be used but omitting any elements concerning forensic samples.