Apprenticeship training course

Advanced forensic practitioner (custody or sexual offence) (level 7)

Gathering evidence through forensic sampling, toxicology, documentation of injuries and provision of a statement to support the criminal justice system.

• Qualification level: 7 ; Equivalent to master’s degree.
• Typical duration: 12 months
• Apprenticeship category: Health and science
• Maximum funding: £5,000 ; Maximum amount government will fund ; for apprenticeship training.
• Also known as:
  • Advanced Forensic Practitioner
  • Forensic Medical Examiner
  • Forensic Nurse
  • Forensic Nurse Practitioner
  • Forensic Paramedic
  • Forensic Physician
  • Forensic Practitioner
  • Healthcare Professional
  • Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE)
  • Sexual Office Examiner
• Skills:
  Skills an apprentice will learn

  • Core. Using appropriate tools such as DASH and CSE to assess the patient and identify sexual abuse, domestic violence and wider vulnerability needs.
  • Core. Identifies a forensic strategy, which includes consideration of account, cross-contamination and evidence base in accordance with the FFLM Recommendations for the Collection of Forensic Samples from Complainants and Suspects.
  • Core. Take evidential samples competently such as: skin swabs, intimate samples, toxicology and others in accordance with the FFLM Recommendations for the Collection of Forensic Samples from Complainants and Suspects.
  • Core. Document injuries accurately including use of camera systems where appropriate.
  • Core. Use an exhibit list and ensure chain of evidence process is completed.
  • Core. Construct a written statement for court.
  • Core. Give oral evidence in court and respond to cross examination.
  • Core. Critically appraise the evidence in written statements and write objectively.
  • Core. Undertake governance processes such as audit, clinical incident reporting, feedback and to follow policy and processes, especially related to infection control, medicines management and health and safety.
  • Core. Obtain valid consent and record it.
  • Core. Manage confidentiality in a forensic environment.
  • Core. Establish duty of care and continuity of care of patients by creating care plans, referrals and signposting.
  • Core. Mentor, coach and supervise others, such as the wider professional team.
  • Core. Recognise the needs of those who are poorly performing and identify and implement, an appropriate performance plan for improvement.
  • Core. Communicate within a criminal justice setting in accordance with the Forensic Science Regulator Legal Guidance (FSR, 2020).
  • Core. Identify your personal belief systems.
  • Core. Participate in clinical supervision.
  • Core. Assess an individual and identify and record acute and chronic mental health conditions and disorders.
  • Core. Undertake a suicide/self-harm risk assessment.
  • Core. Clean the room in preparation for a forensic examination.
  • Core. Manage organisational learning and quality improvement.
  • Core. Respect individual's diversity, beliefs, culture, needs, values, privacy and preferences.
  • Core. Identify their own unconscious bias and act with objectivity.
  • Core. Identify the different injury types and their significance as evidence.
  • Custody. Manage acute medical symptoms including: shortness of breath, seizures & chest pain.

Full information on Advanced forensic practitioner (custody or sexual offence) (level 7) is available from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.

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