QMU helps deliver a landmark advance in forensic care for survivors of sexual violence
Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh, has played a pivotal role in a landmark development for forensic healthcare in Scotland, with the national roll-out of Nurse Sexual Offence Examiners (NSOEs) set to improve access to specialist, trauma-informed care for survivors of rape and sexual assault across the country.
The national roll-out follows a successful Scottish Government-backed Test of Change programme and approval by the Lord Advocate in March 2026. This approval represents an important change in forensic practice in Scotland, enabling appropriately trained and qualified nurses to undertake forensic medical examinations in cases of rape and sexual assault and to provide opinion evidence in court proceedings, subject to ongoing review. Previously, this role had been undertaken by doctors.
QMU has worked closely with the Scottish Government, NHS Scotland and justice sector partners to develop the education, training and professional framework that underpins this specialist role. Through its Postgraduate Advanced Forensic Practice programme and ongoing Forensic Skills Labs, funded by the Scottish Government, the University has equipped nurses with the advanced forensic, clinical and legal competencies required to undertake this highly specialised work.
The roll-out is expected to strengthen workforce capacity across Scotland and improve access to timely, person-centred forensic healthcare, particularly in rural and island communities where access to specialist services has historically been more challenging. It will also support the rights of survivors to request examination by a practitioner of their chosen sex.
Professor Sara Smith, Dean of the School of Health Sciences at QMU, said: “The national roll-out of Nurse Sexual Offence Examiners represents a significant milestone for forensic healthcare in Scotland and reflects the advanced knowledge, skills and expertise of specialist nurses.
“At QMU, we have been proud to work in partnership with the Scottish Government, NHS Scotland and justice sector colleagues to develop the education, training and professional standards that have enabled experienced nurses to undertake this highly specialised role."
Most importantly, this development will help ensure that survivors of rape and sexual assault can access high-quality, trauma-informed and compassionate care wherever they live in Scotland. By expanding the specialist workforce, we can, in partnership, improve access to services, support individual choice and contribute to better healthcare outcomes and access to justice for survivors.
The introduction of NSOEs marks a major advancement in Scotland's forensic healthcare system, recognising the contribution that advanced nursing practice can make in supporting survivors of sexual violence while maintaining rigorous clinical, forensic and legal standards.
Implementation of the national roll-out will take place incrementally as health boards integrate NSOEs into their workforce and additional nurses complete the required training through QMU's Postgraduate Advanced Forensic Practice programme and ongoing Forensic Skills Labs.
The national roll-out was formally recognised at a ministerial event hosted by QMU, bringing together Maree Todd MSP, Minister for Mental Wellbeing, Public Health, Sport, Alcohol and Drugs; Ruth Charteris KC, Lord Advocate for Scotland; Sir Gregor Smith, Chief Medical Officer for Scotland; Professor Aisha Holloway, Chief Nursing Officer for Scotland; and representatives from across the healthcare and justice sectors. The event celebrated years of collaboration between QMU, the Scottish Government, NHS Scotland and justice partners to strengthen support, care and access to justice for survivors of sexual violence across Scotland.
Find out more about Advanced Forensic Practice and other Healthcare courses at QMU.
A Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service (SARCS) is available in every health board area in Scotland, providing healthcare and forensic medical examination services for people in the days following a sexual assault, in line with the Forensic Medical Services (Victims of Sexual Offences) (Scotland) Act 2021.
The NSOE role was approved for national roll-out by the Lord Advocate in March 2026 following a Scottish Government-funded Test of Change programme supported by more than £700,000 of funding.
QMU's Postgraduate Advanced Forensic Practice programme and ongoing Forensic Skills Labs are funded by the Scottish Government and support the education and training of Nurse Sexual Offence Examiners across Scotland.
For further media information contact Lynne Russell, Communications Manager, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, E: lrussell@qmu.ac.uk (copy to E: pressoffice@qmu.ac.uk).
