Elisabeth Briggs

Forensic Document Examiner and Handwriting Expert

MNatSc (Chem) MSc MCSFS MAE

lis@qdexaminer.co.uk

Tel: 07486 545715

Qualifications

I completed my Masters Degree in Natural Science at the University of Birmingham, with a specialism in Chemistry (MNatSc (Chem)) in 2000, followed by an MSc in Forensic Science at Strathclyde University in 2001. After leaving university I worked at the Horseracing Forensic Laboratory as a scientist in the equine and canine drug screening unit.

Between 2003 and 2005 I completed a two year training programme at the Grampian Police Forensic Laboratory in Aberdeen to become a forensic document examiner and was authorised by the Secretary of State for Scotland to examine and report handwriting and documents cases.

I have completed training courses in 'Excellence in Report Writing', 'Witness Familiarisation' and 'Cross Examination' organised by Bond Solon.

I am a Member of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences and a Corresponding Member of the Australasian Society of Forensic Document Examiners Inc. I am also a Practising Member of the Academy of Experts.

I was a registered Forensic Practitioner until the Council for the Registration of Forensic Practitioners (CRFP) was disbanded in 2009.

I take part in regular proficiency tests supplied by Collaborative Testing Services, in common with many Forensic laboratories throughout the world.

Experience

I have nearly 20 years' experience as a Forensic Document Examiner, moving from Aberdeen to work at Document Evidence Ltd in Birmingham, which was acquired by Key Forensic Services Ltd in 2008, before becoming a self-employed expert consultant. In the early part of my career I worked alongside many of the most experienced Forensic Document Examiners in the UK.

I have examined in excess of 1000 cases from private and corporate instructions, civil and criminal matters as instructed by legal advisors (including cases where I have acted as a 'Single Joint Expert'), government departments and direct instruction from various UK and foreign Police forces. I have also provided evidence for enquiries into media personalities and politicians, including a governmental inquiry in Malta.

I have given expert evidence at court on many occasions, attending both magistrates and crown courts in the UK and worldwide, in person and remotely. I have also given evidence at employment tribunals and civil hearings.

I have provided training in relation to the use and interpretation of Electrostatic Detection Apparatus (ESDA – a tool used by document examiners to assist in detecting writing indentations on paper) on several occasions. This includes a bespoke course designed for and delivered in Madrid to members of the Guardia Civil, the national police force of Spain. I have also acted as trainer and mentor to several newly recruited document examiners during their own postgraduate training.

Published works:

Barratt EM, Smith Y: Examination of an altered bar code on a vehicle tax disc. Science & Justice 2005 45(3): p135-9

Media

Appeared on the BBC television programme 'Fake Britain' (season 5 episode 7) as an expert witness, demonstrating the methodology used in a case involving a forged will.

Contributed to Episode 7 of the BBC Radio 4 Podcast 'Fairy Meadow' broadcast in 2022, relating to the disappearance of three-year-old Cheryl Grimmer in Australia in 1970.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0bff1xh

Interviewed on the BBC Radio 4 programme 'You and Yours' in 2023 about a fabricated document relating to a student tenancy:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001r1nk

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-66998724