Jo Delaforce 

UKAFN Founding President 2007-2014 & Matron at the Havens SARC London

Jo Delaforce has spent many years working in a variety of acute medical and surgical specialities since 1982 including sexual health, eight years in a busy South London A&E department. Jo started her career at the Havens in 2000 as a Practice Development Nurse and has been the Matron for the Haven service since 2011. Jo has been involved in its development and growth to achieve the title centre of excellence in providing care for victims of sexual violence.

In 2004 Jo received a Commendation by the assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan Police for “Outstanding dedication and commitment to improving the service to victims of serious sexual assault”. In 2005 Jo graduated from the University of Central Lancashire with a Post Graduate Certificate in Forensic Sexology. As well as completing the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners course in California USA.

Jo was also heavily involved in the “Care and Evidence” awareness training DVD. As well as the “Clinical guidance for forensic examination following sexual assault.” DVD. Jo was also awarded the Nursing Standard Sexual Health Nurse of the year 2007.

Finally, Jo highlighted the importance and the need for the United Kingdom Association of Forensic Nurses (UKAFN) and was the main driving force behind the creation of the UKAFN. Launched in 2007 which is now a recognised forensic association for nurses and specialist’s working in the field of forensic and custody care.

Kirsty Potter 

Northumbria Police Scientific Support Operations Manager

Kirsty has over two decades experience as a forensic scientist in roles that have included Senior Forensic Biologist with the Forensic Science Service, Forensic Trainer with the NPIA (now College of Policing), National Forensic Specialist Adviser with the NCA and is currently the Scientific Support Operations Manager with Northumbria Police. During her career, Kirsty has always had a passion for making a contribution to the effective investigation of rape and sexual assault and maximising the use of forensic science in these investigations.

Kirsty has been a member of the FFLM Forensic Science Sub-Committee for many years and completed a masters degree in 2016 researching self-referral rape mechanisms, she now continues to work within policing to offer local and regional support to sexual offence investigations, from evidence recovery at crime scenes and SARCs to the use of forensics within the investigation process to try and maximise convictions.

Andrea Edwards

Independent Forensic Advisor and Trainer for Rape and Serious Sexual Assault

With over 25 years of experience in scientific roles, Andrea's began my career as a Research Scientist in Genetics and Microbiology at the Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research (BBSRC). In 2001, she transitioned to forensic science, joining The Forensic Science Service (FSS) where she served as a Senior Forensic Scientist and Expert Witness, specialising in sexual offences casework. During her tenure at the FSS, she advanced to become a bespoke Sexual Offences Service Manager, overseeing casework and leading a team of scientists in handling sexual offences cases involving both adults and children. Her role also encompassed delivering specialist training to the Police, Forensic Medical Examiners, and SARC staff, as well as providing performance-related feedback and consultancy to various police constabularies.

Following the closure of the FSS in 2011, Andrea continued my work as an Independent Forensic Advisor and Trainer, focusing on Rape and Serious Sexual Assault cases. Currently, Andrea trains police investigators at all levels, forensic medical practitioners, SARC support staff, and other partner agencies. She am also an active member of the FFLM Forensic Science Sub-Committee, contributing to the biannual recommendations for sampling in serious sexual assault cases.

In 2009, she was seconded from the FSS to join a team of forensic experts on The Department of Health’s National Support Team, established by the NHS and Home Office to review the implementation of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC). This experience provided me with a comprehensive understanding of how partner agencies collaborate to deliver SARC services effectively.

Throughout her forensic career, Andrea had the privilege of being mentored by, and working closely with, Mary Newton, the esteemed National Consultant and Trainer for Rape and Serious Sexual Assault, until her retirement in 2019 after 40 years of dedicated service.

PROFESSOR & DR VANESSA WEBB

Medical Director

With an impressive range of academic qualifications (MBBS, RGN, MSc, BSc, DLM, DFMS, FMERSA, MFMLM), Professor/Dr Vanessa Webb boasts over 30 years of nursing experience. In addition to her nursing qualifications, she took a further leap in her career and qualified as a doctor in 2007. This extensive background equips her with robust experience in forensic medical examination and leadership roles within forensic healthcare services.

Vanessa's contributions to the field extend to fostering the growth and development of forensic practitioners. She chairs the Trailblazer for the Advanced Forensic Practitioner, among various other local and national roles, contributing immensely to the profession's progression. Furthermore, she holds the position of Honorary Professor for Staffordshire University, a testament to her dedication and expertise.

As a Co-Founder of Mountain Healthcare, Vanessa left a significant mark on the institution before departing in 2021 to disseminate her wealth of knowledge. She currently occupies the role of Medical Director and Co-Founder of Nurture Health and Care Ltd and serves as the Chair of Trustees for The Maslow Foundation. Vanessa eagerly embraces the opportunity to support Survivors In Transition and their commendable team, continually exploring ways to impact the field of forensic healthcare positively.