We continuously work to improve our processes and to train new staff to become leading forensic experts. We collaborate with other forensic institutes, national and international universities, and universities of applied sciences to build and share knowledge.

With the forensic information we provide, the NFI contributes to fact-finding in criminal investigations. There cannot be any doubt about the reliability of our findings. To ensure this reliability, the NFI has been accredited since 1994 and works with a quality management system (QMS).

This accreditation is based on the NEN-EN-ISO/IEC 17025 standard (for testing and calibration laboratories) and the NEN-EN-ISO 15189 standard (for medical laboratories). Our accreditation is reviewed annually by the Dutch Accreditation Council (RvA), the national accreditation body [1].

The QMS ensures continuous monitoring of the entire research process, from receiving requests and associated materials to reporting the results to the client. This helps ensure that our examinations and supporting processes are carried out carefully and according to standard procedures, and that our partners can rely on trustworthy results.

We monitor and improve the effectiveness of the QMS through evaluations, corrective actions, handling client feedback, and regular audits. This enables us to continuously improve the quality of our products and services.

Our vision on a healthy and safe working environment aligns with the Dutch government’s policy on work and health. We focus on promoting health, vitality, and employability, strengthening employees’ skills, and preventing health issues. When an employee’s capacity to work is reduced, we do our best to help with a timely recovery and to facilitate a return to work.

We aim to provide a safe, healthy, and professional working environment. Working conditions are therefore an essential part of our operations. To support this, we use various tools, such as risk assessments (RI&E), absence policies, and health and safety policies.

In addition, we invest in optimal working conditions, including safe laboratory and office facilities, preventing exposure to hazardous substances, good ergonomic provisions, and attention to mental health and well-being. Emergency response services are in place, and employees can consult the occupational physician, prevention officer, or QHSE (Quality, Health, Safety and Environment) advisor when needed.

We aim to keep our environmental footprint as small as possible. We do this by reducing waste streams, responsibly disposing of chemical and biological materials, working in an energy-efficient way, and promoting sustainable procurement. This is part of our responsibility to society as a public organisation.

The Dutch government uses the CO2 Performance Ladder to make the carbon footprint of public organisations transparent. The NFI also applies this method in its reporting. In addition, all waste streams are collected and processed in accordance with applicable regulations.

Periodic inspections by the Environmental Service Haaglanden, the Delfland Water Authority, and/or the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) ensure that we comply with standards for handling chemicals and chemical waste.

RBW is about continuously managing objectives, risks, and opportunities. We do this by applying risk management in line with the PDCA cycle (Plan–Do–Check–Act).

With RBW, not all risks are to be fully predicted or avoided. Instead, our objectives guide our decisions, we accept a degree of uncertainty, make informed choices, allow for limited inefficiencies, assign clear ownership, and apply this approach in a flexible and dynamic way (see figure). This fits the complex and dynamic environment in which we operate.

By working in this way, we manage uncertain events (both risks and opportunities) in a way that supports achieving our organisational goals. This helps to ensure and to continuously improve the quality and continuity of our processes, products, and services.

[1] More information about our accreditation can be found on the website of the Dutch Accreditation Council (registration numbers L146 for ISO 17025 and M299 for ISO 15189, see www.rva.nl).