'F3 - The First Forensic Forum', founded in the late 1990's when forensic computing was still in its infancy, is a non-profit organisation with one specific goal which is reflected in our mission statement - "F3 exists to provide an open forum for all forensic computing practitioners, to enable them to share their collective knowledge through discussion and training".

The F3 Committee and its members strive to ensure that F3 remains focused on that aim and concentrates primarily on the forensic examination of bits and bytes. It has no politics and no hidden agendas. It is also important to note that F3 does not seek to align itself with or endorse any service or product.

Regardless of whether you are involved in law enforcement, defense, or the private sector, everyone involved in forensic computing is equally welcome to join F3. There are no restrictions on membership other than that as a member you must be actively employed in the industry either as a forensic IT practitioner, expert or thought leader.

The annual membership fee is GBP65 per organisation per location (so one organisation spread across two sites is required to pay GBP130 per year). This allows ALL forensic members of that organisation to have access to facilities and events provided by F3. The subscription year commences on 6th April each year. At the time of writing (April 2007) F3 has a membership in excess of 1,000 individuals who are actively employed in more than 230 organisations in the UK and overseas.

In a typical year F3 will run four or five one-day workshops, each with a delegate fee ranging between GBP20 to GBP25 per person. F3 also holds an Annual Conference in October or November which we aim to deliver for a delegate fee in the region of GBP160-GBP170 per person, excluding accommodation. The speakers who present at the training days and the Annual Conference are themselves almost always members of F3 (or indeed, associated with one). Speakers are practicing in their particular field of expertise and true to the spirit of F3 they will usually share their knowledge voluntarily. (If you are interested in speaking please e-mail a member of the committee with your details and your application will be jointly considered by the committee). All training material used for the training days and the Annual Conference are hosted on the F3 website (subject to the speakers permission). Access to this material is limited to the membership.

The F3 Committee members are themselves forensic practitioners and are subject to nomination and election each year by the membership. They are not paid a salary and receive no 'special treatment'. They are required to volunteer their personal or professional time to run F3 and organise all of the events for the following year. Frequently, members of the committee will present at training days.

Contrary to popular belief, F3 does not have a Press Office, an Accounts Department, an IT Section, a clerical assistant, a board of directors, or anything else remotely like that. Each member of the committee does 'their bit' mostly from their homes throughout the year to aid in the running of F3.

For more information and e-mail addresses visit www.f3.org.uk. If you are interested in joining F3 submit an e-mail stating your forensic capabilities and involvement to Steve Buddell stevebuddell@f3.org.uk and Lindy Sheppard lindysheppard@f3.org.uk

We hope to see you at our next event!

Warm Regards

The F3 Committee