Quality, Standards & Ethics Committee (QSEC)

Formerly known as the Quality Assurance & Standards Committee (QASC), QSEC continues its mission to advance the development and delivery of quality forensic services in Asia. The incorporation of ethics into QSEC underscores its commitment to a comprehensive approach to quality, where technical standards and professional ethics work in tandem. This will further strengthen forensic science in Asia, ensuring that it is not only scientifically rigorous but also ethically sound. The Committee’s objectives include raising awareness of quality assurance and ethics within forensic laboratories, and coordinating training programmes that integrate both quality assurance practices and ethical principles. Over the years, QSEC has hosted and co-hosted programmes – in collaboration with other workgroups – where experts from various countries were invited to share their experiences. Topics ranged from Root Cause Toolbox, Risk and Opportunities and Internal Audit Processes to Laboratory Quality Management Framework, Building Quality Culture and Enhancing Integrity in Forensic Laboratories. In addition, QSEC serves as a platform for member institutes to share their experiences, concerns and challenges related to laboratory quality system. One such initiative was the Quality Survey, which gathered information on quality frameworks within the various workgroups to better understand the state of quality assurance practices among the AFSN member institutes. The findings helped identify good practices and any areas for improvement, enabling the various workgroups to align future activities with the needs of their members.