The Constitution of our Society states that its objectives are "to advance the study, application and standing of forensic science. . ." and it is the role of the Council, with the support of its members, to see how best these most laudable aims may be attained. For many years the possibility of the Society becoming involved in some form of accreditation as a means of raising the standard of forensic science and, in particular, expert evidence, was discussed. Such discussions seemed to reach a peak around November 1980 and it was at this time that I was asked, by Council, through consultation with Society members, to assess the requirements for qualifications in Forensic Science and, if the reaction was favourable, to propose a scheme for their implementation. A circular was dispatched via this Journal inviting all members to express their opinions. Some 55 or so people responded in this way; I do not recall our critic Dr. Benstead [I] making any reply to this request. The majority of replies were in favour although caution in such a venture was proffered by some of these.