The Government has announced proposed changes to road traffic law under a new Road Safety Strategy, including a reduced drink-driving limit. A public consultation on motoring offence penalties is now open: https://tinyurl.com/v9xemr8z FFLM invites member input to its response — deadline 13 Mar 2026

📢 Reminder: Programme Now Live! The preliminary programme for #FFLMConf26 is available — explore this year’s sessions and speakers here: https://fflm.ac.uk/annual-conference-2026#FFLMConf26 Remember to take advantage of the early bird rate when booking, available until 31 January!

✨ Preparing for the MFFLM or LFFLM Part 2 Exam? Join us on Saturday 28 February 2026 for a dedicated Part 2 Revision Day This session will provide candidates with expert guidance, practical insights, and OSCE role‑play with a simulated patient More information here: https://tinyurl.com/269f6pdm

📢 In Case You Missed It! In December 2025, we published Recommendations on the Management of Cannabis‑Based Medicinal Products (CBPMs) for detainees and prisoners. Read the full Recommendations here: https://tinyurl.com/a4h35yss

Today, we shine a light on an area of ongoing concern: self‑swab ‘rape kits’ As outlined in our joint position statement, these kits pose serious risks, including the absence of holistic psychosocial, medical, and forensic assessment: tinyurl.com/4jf5xbca

✨ As the new year begins, we’re looking ahead to two exciting events: 📅 The Role of the Appropriate Adult webinar – 28 January 2026 📅 Virtual Adult Safeguarding Day – 21 April 2026 Free for FFLM Members, Safeguarding Day is free for all! Book now: https://fflm.ac.uk/product-category/events

On the tenth day of #FFLM12DaysofXmas, we look ahead to the future of clinical guidance We have formed a working group to lead the review of Detainees with Substance Use Disorders in Police Custody: Guidelines for Clinical Management—aka the ‘Blue Guidelines’:

Our Annual Conference 2026 programme is live! 🎉 Join us for an inspiring event showcasing expertise and collaboration in forensic & legal medicine. More information can be found here: https://fflm.ac.uk/annual-conference-2026 #FFLM12DaysofXmas

Happy New Year from all at FFLM! ✨ As part of #FFLM12DaysofXmas we’ve reflected on 2025—celebrating milestones and launching our new 3‑year strategy. In 2026 we’ll build on this strong foundation Thank you to our members, volunteers & colleagues—here’s to progress and collaboration!

Earlier this year, the Equivalence in Police Custody Healthcare Report was published & welcomed by FFLM: https://tinyurl.com/5yv5893m We issued a formal response, noting how its findings echoed member concerns & our own experience in raising standards: https://tinyurl.com/yr8abva2 #FFLM12DaysofXmas

At our Annual Conference, we celebrated 20 years of the FFLM, bid farewell to our Immediate Past President, Dr Bernadette Butler, and welcomed our new President, Dr Alex Gorton. He’s had a busy start—hear more in his latest President’s Message: https://tinyurl.com/ynx7rkft #FFLM12DaysofXmas

This year’s Annual Conference in Liverpool marked a special milestone—our 20th Anniversary. It was wonderful to welcome so many of our members, alongside our speakers and sponsors, who made the event such a success #FFLM12DaysofXmas

🎄 On the third day of #FFLM12DaysofXmas....our Office Team grew! This year we welcomed our new CEO, Training Manager, and Administrator. We’re thrilled to be strengthening our team as we continue to support our members and deliver our strategy Meet our team here: https://tinyurl.com/4c4bw9tw

As we approach the end of the year, it’s a chance to pause and reflect on 2025. Through #FFLM12DaysofXmas, we’ll be sharing key achievements—starting with the launch of our new three-year strategy, setting clear priorities for our future work: https://fflm.ac.uk/about/our-strategy

Merry Christmas and Season’s Greetings from all of us at the FFLM! 🎄✨ We’re delighted to begin our #FFLM12DaysofXmas by thanking our members, volunteers, and colleagues for their dedication and support in 2025 Wishing you peace, joy, and time with loved ones this festive season

Join us for our next webinar with the National Appropriate Adult Network on the Role of the Appropriate Adult 📅Wednesday 28 January 2026 at 13:00 📌Free for FFLM Members 📌£10 for Non‑Members Register here: https://fflm.ac.uk/event/role-of-the-appropriate-adult-jan2026

🚨 New guidance alert The FFLM and NPCC have worked in collaboration with RCEM to produce new guidance supporting police and emergency medicine clinicians in the use of body-worn video cameras (BWVC) within the Emergency Department. Read the guidance here: https://rcem.ac.uk/rcem-clinical-guidance/

We’re excited to share the provisional programme for the FFLM Annual Conference 2026! 📌 Theme: The Anatomy of a Case: From Causes to Rehabilitation 📅 Friday 08 – Saturday 09 May 2026 📍 Leonardo Royal Hotel, St Paul’s, London View the programme & book today: https://tinyurl.com/muz8pwzn

✨ Preparing for the MFFLM or LFFLM Part 2 exam? Join us on 28 Feb 2026 for a Part 2 Revision Day with expert guidance, OSCE insights and OSCE role‑play with simulated patient. Click here for more details: https://tinyurl.com/269f6pdm

📢 Just a reminder — we want to hear from you! Help shape the future of our training and professional development programme by completing our short member survey. Your experiences, needs, and ideas make a real difference: https://fflm.ac.uk/member-survey

🎉 Early bird bookings are open for our 2026 Annual Conference! 📅 Friday 08 to Saturday 09 May 2026 📍 Leonardo Royal Hotel, St Paul’s, London ✨ Theme: The Anatomy of a Case: From Causes to Rehabilitation Secure your place at the early bird rate before 31 Jan 2026: https://tinyurl.com/muz8pwzn

The FSR published its latest newsletter this week: https://tinyurl.com/4v5dxdw9 It contains several important updates, including developments on SARC compliance with the Code. Notably, it also confirms that version 3 of the Declarations Guidance is expected to be published before the holiday season

This week we published Recommendations on the Management of Cannabis‑Based Medicinal Products (CBPMs) for detainees and prisoners, addressing the significant challenges of managing CBPMs in custodial settings Available here: tinyurl.com/a4h35yss

Forensic & Legal Medicine stands with survivors — from first contact to court We honour frontline clinicians whose expertise & compassion make this possible Across #16DaysOfActivism, we’ve highlighted key issues: gaps in forensic care, trauma‑informed practice & the risks of self‑swab “rape kits”

During #16DaysofActivism, we stand with survivors everywhere — including those who experience rape or sexual assault while travelling or living abroad The FFLM has guidance for clinicians supporting people raped or sexually assaulted overseas Access the guidance here: https://tinyurl.com/2hferb29

Many women experiencing violence lack access to forensic clinicians. SARCs provide care for sexual assault, but no equivalent exists for other forms of violence. During #16DaysOfActivism, we call for equitable forensic support for all survivors

Addressing gender-based violence means ensuring survivors get the right care at the right time For children and young people, support must be tailored — forensic medical examinations should reflect their development, wellbeing, and safeguarding needs #16DaysofActivism

This year’s #16DaysOfActivism reminds us that violence against women and girls takes many forms — and demands sensitive, expert responses. Trauma-informed forensic care ensures survivors are met with dignity, compassion, and respect, helping them feel safe and regain a sense of control

UK clinical guidelines recommending interventions for people with harmful patterns of drinking and alcohol dependence, supporting and promoting good practice were published on 28 November 2025 The full guideline can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/clinical-guidelines-for-alcohol-treatment

This year’s #16DaysOfActivism theme, “End digital violence against all women and girls,” reminds us that online abuse is never “just online.” Digital harassment, threats, and exploitation often intersect with — and escalate into — physical and sexual harm

𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟮 𝗟𝗙𝗙𝗟𝗠 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗙𝗙𝗟𝗠 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘆 We're pleased to announce that we will be hosting a Part 2 examination revision day on Saturday 28 February 2026, from 09:30 to 16:30 For further information, and to book your place, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/3mz7s279

Expert clinical evidence is essential. It helps courts understand injury and trauma, ensuring survivors are recognised and strengthening their voices #16DaysofActivism

On 24 Oct 2025, we wrote to all universities in England & Wales raising concerns about self‑swab “rape kits” being promoted to students by external companies: tinyurl.com/367x46yf This remains a serious issue, as outlined in our joint position statement: tinyurl.com/4jf5xbca

📢 We want to hear from you! Help shape the future of our training and professional development programme. Share your experiences, needs, and ideas in our short member survey — your input makes a real difference: https://fflm.ac.uk/member-survey

Accessing forensic support is hard for many survivors — and even harder for vulnerable adults. Our guidance, Sexual Assault of Adults Who Lack the Capacity to Consent to a SARC Medical, supports safeguarding and clinical decision‑making #16DaysOfActivism Available here: https://tinyurl.com/523t3brd

Abuse often hides in plain sight. Forensic clinicians play a vital role in recognising the subtle — and not so subtle — indicators that someone may be at risk Every presentation is an opportunity to ask the right questions and listen carefully #16DaysOfActivism

If you’ve experienced sexual violence, you can access specialist care at a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). Here’s what you can expect: ▪️Compassionate support ▪️Holistic healthcare ▪️Evidence collection ▪️Clear, accessible information #16DaysOfActivism

𝗟𝗙𝗙𝗟𝗠 & 𝗠𝗙𝗙𝗟𝗠 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 We're pleased to annouce that we will be hosting a Part 2 Revision Day on Saturday 28 February 2026, from 09:30 to 16:30 For further information, and to book your place, please visit: https://fflm.ac.uk/event/mfflm-and-lfflm-part-2-examination-revision-day-2026

Accurate documentation in domestic abuse cases is vital to safeguarding, validating survivors and strengthening evidence in court During #16DaysOfActivism, we’re highlighting the crucial role of careful, trauma-informed documentation in ensuring that survivors are heard, supported and protected

𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟮 𝗟𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗘𝘅𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗼𝗼𝗻! The application window will close at 17:00 on Friday 28 November. Please ensure your application is submitted before the deadline, as late applications cannot be accepted To apply, visit: https://fflm.ac.uk/exams

Many survivors of domestic violence struggle to access forensic support, yet it is vital Without it, injuries may go undocumented. Without appropriate clinical care/management, cases may lack the evidence needed to hold perpetrators accountable. Survivors’ voices risk being left unheard or silenced

𝗠𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗙𝗙𝗟𝗠 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁, 𝗗𝗿 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝘅 𝗚𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗼𝗻 ✨ Today marks the start of the UN Women #16DaysofActivism Against Gender‑Based Violence For those of us working in forensic & legal medicine, violence against women and girls is not a distant policy debate — it is a reality our clinicians face every day

As part of Safeguarding Adults Week 2025, Dr Elisabeth Alton & Prof Margaret Stark discuss the vital role of forensic medicine in protecting adults at risk and ensuring accountability. 🎧 Listen now: https://on.soundcloud.com/Wl6WUD0KxfVoB57Nrk

As part of #SafeguardingAdultsWeek, we’re highlighting our pro forma for adults at risk of harm who may have suffered a non‑accidental injury through physical abuse or neglect. Available here: https://tinyurl.com/2e26dpme

Make sure to register for this Saturday’s Virtual Child Safeguarding Day, where we’ll be exploring key topics such as: ▪️Female Genital Mutilation ▪️Neurodiversity and Abuse ▪️Navigating the 'Manosphere' and its Impact 📅 Reserve your place now: fflm.ac.uk/event/fflm-virtual-child-safeguarding-2025

This #SafeguardingAdultsWeek, we’re sharing new guidance: Sexual Assault of Adults who Lack the Capacity to Consent to a SARC Medical This document aims to safeguard adults at risk and guide clinical decisions in suspected sexual abuse/assault cases Available here: https://tinyurl.com/523t3brd

For #SafeguardingAdultsWeek2025, we share a special conversation with Dr Elisabeth Alton &and Prof Margaret Stark on the vital role of forensic medicine in safeguarding adults. Available to listen to on our Adult Safeguarding Hub: fflm.ac.uk/adult-safegu...

#SafeguardingAdultsWeek is the perfect opportunity to highlight our upcoming Virtual Adult Safeguarding Day, taking place next year — and free to attend! The programme will explore key topics such as the use of restraint and domestic abuse in pregnancy. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/5n7bs5be

Don't forget to register for this week's Virtual Child Safeguarding Day, where we'll be exploring key topics such as: • Female Genital Mutilation • Neurodiversity and Abuse • Navigating the 'Manosphere' and its Impact 📅 Reserve your place now: fflm.ac.uk/event/fflm-virtual-child-safeguarding-2025

🎓 Celebrate #InternationalStudentsDay by joining the FFLM as a Student Affiliate — just £27 per year! Benefits include: 🔹Learning resources 🔹Reduced course & event rates 🔹Online access to the Journal of Forensic & Legal Medicine …and more! Find out more here: https://tinyurl.com/2tsmk9hc