What is your background and what qualifications do you hold?

I graduated with a Masters degree in Chemistry from the University of York. Since graduating I have worked as a Regulatory Consultant specialising in the Biocidal Products Regulation for five years.

What do you do at Yordas?

I am working as a Regulatory Consultant for Yordas with a focus on the approval process for Biocidal Products. This role allows me to work with a range of clients whose products can range from disinfectants to anti-fouling paints for boats and embalming products. The BPR is a complex regulation which is still undergoing a transitional period which means that, in addition to the harmonised BPR process, each EU member state also applies their own national legislation to some products. This results in a wide range of possible regulatory processes which can apply to any individual product and it is my role to guide our clients through the best possible strategy for them.

How does your current role connect with your background?

Biocidal products are chemical products which control microbes across a range of application areas. As they are chemical products, a working knowledge of chemicals and their properties, as well as knowledge of safe handling processes, are all beneficial in my day-to-day work. These are skills that I directly learned from my degree and, in the 5 years I have been working with the BPR, my technical knowledge has been very helpful for clients. 

What have you learned at Yordas?

Since joining Yordas, I have worked closely with the GB BPR which is a new piece of legislation which incorporated the EU BPR into law in the UK. This required a number of additional processes and changes to the wording of the original document which has put a further regulatory burden on product manufacturers and suppliers for biocides into the UK. 

How did you get started with Yordas?

I joined Yordas in January of 2022 following several years working for another regulatory consultant. This move was motivated by a desire for a new challenge and a new opportunity which Yordas was able to offer. 

Who/what inspired you to pursue a career in science?

I have always enjoyed science but my inspiration to pursue it as a career came from a chemistry teacher I had at secondary school for my GCSE’s. He was an excellent teacher who managed to make every lesson interesting and engaging. 

What are your hobbies/interests outside of work?

Outside of work I have a variety of hobbies and interests including playing board games and video games. I also enjoy playing Ultimate Frisbee which is very intense sport that I picked up at university.

What do you enjoy most with training?

Training is an opportunity to develop new skills and improve your knowledge. As someone who is always keen to attempt new challenges, this often starts with training to get the foundational understanding and then applying that new knowledge. It is very rewarding to be able to apply something new you have learned.