I started working with radiation in 1977, qualifying as a diagnostic radiographer in 1980. My 22 years in the Health Service (to a Reporting Radiographer level) and Education sector (as a Clinical Teacher and Lecturer) furthered my interest in radiation protection and having been persuaded to leave the Health Service and Academia and enter the niche branch of health and safety of the Radiation Protection Adviser I became fully certificated for this role in 2005. Since then I have also obtained further certification as a Radioactive Waste Adviser and am also on the current list of Medical Physics Experts. Despite being the founder, principal RPA and director in the company, I continue to be very much involved in the practical application of the business of radiation protection. Most days I am out meeting clients, doing annual assessments, writing reports and leading the team of RPAs in their roles. I also still love to teach, whether that be to groups of Dentist, Vets or other x-ray and open and closed radioactive source users, and I am proud of the fact that our company is currently the only one in the country to have a dental radiography course validated with both the NEBDN and the College and Society of Radiographers. But life is not all about radiation, despite the fact that we are surrounded by it and subjected to it every moment of every day of our lives. I have a long-standing interest in wine – holding the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Diploma. I like a round of golf as often as I can (wishing I could get down to that elusive single figure handicap). I enjoy travelling and holidays have often included scuba diving where my passion is in taking underwater photos. Any other spare time allows me to indulge in my love of cars – I’m a bit of a ‘petrol head’.

Favourite quote: “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work” Thomas Edison.

I’ve been running the business since the beginning, more than 10 years ago. In those days I did all the admin and had to learn and develop all the systems that it takes to run a business with the annual services we provide. As the business has continued to grow, so has the admin team, and these days I spend most of my time making decisions and running the company rather than doing the admin. I still provide some support, advice and do a bit of organising, but the team are brilliant and do a great job running the office day to day and further developing the basic systems I had in place. My favourite place to retreat to, often with our Grandson in tow, is my vegetable garden and I love being outside in the fresh air and sunshine. Steve and I love to travel especially if it can include a bit of warm water scuba diving, a round of golf, dancing or tasting the local wine – and of course, we happily do play golf, dance and drink wine when at home in the UK too!

Favourite quote: ‘If you think you’re too small to make a difference, go to bed with a mosquito!’

My original area of expertise was as a research biochemist and lecturer, achieving my degree and PhD at Sussex University. Having enjoyed a postdoc position in New Zealand I returned to the UK and continued to teach for the Open University and Anglia Ruskin University (Cambridge). Looking for a new challenge (and a permanent contract, academia is not great for that!) I worked as a practice manager and deputy RPS for a busy mixed veterinary group based between three sites responsible for all the Health and Safety on site including that relating to the X-ray units used for both on- and off- site imaging. Whilst in this role I met Steve, I joined Steve and Debbie in 2013, and having completed the University of Strathclyde Certificate of Professional Development in Radiation Protection in Association with AURPO course in 2014 went on to gain full accreditation as a RPA and RWA in 2015. I am a member of SRP and AUPRO and a member of the HERT (Higher Education Research & Teaching) working group and this year I have been invited to join ICRP Task Group 110 on veterinary applications of ionising radiation. I am also on the current list of Medical Physics Experts. I am currently on maternity leave with my first child, Thomas, who is by far my most challenging role!

Favourite quote: ‘Be yourself; everyone else is taken.’

I’ve been with Stephen Green and Associates for almost 3 and a half years now as a Radiation Protection Adviser / Radioactive Waste Adviser in training. In my time with Steve, I’ve built up a diverse knowledge of the application, use, practical and legislative requirements of ionising radiation. While mainly specialising in diagnostic imaging, I’ve also advised clients in many different industries including veterinary nuclear medicine, flower companies, contaminated shipments, ground monitoring and transport. I am also currently on the Medical Physics Expert list for Diagnostic Radiography (No.29). Before joining Steve, I worked for East and North Herts NHS Trust running the dental education programme. Stephen was always my first pick for Radiation Protection courses and we built up a strong rapport over two years before I left the NHS to go travelling for a year. It was on my return that Steve asked me to join him on a few visits to see what an RPA does, and the rest is history! I also have a BSc (Hons) degree in Analytical and Forensic Sciences from Coventry University. My spare time is usually spent either at the gym, socialising with friends and family, or recovering from socialising with friends and family.

After university my first job was at Bath University where I first worked with sources of ionising radiation. In 1998 I joined the Sanger Centre as part of the Human Genome Project working with large quantities of open sources of radiation. After 9 years and several publications I decided to try something new and took a position with Cambridge University carrying out biological and radiological safety before moving on to Cancer Research UK where I gained my NEBOSH Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety. Preferring the scientific side of safety, I joined the University of Southampton as Radiation Protection Officer, the university has lots of sources of ionising radiation from open sources, large sealed sources and powerful X-ray sources. Whilst at Southampton I gained my Radiation Protection Adviser certification. I joined Stephen Green and Associates in Jan 2018 and have immediately enjoyed the variety and the much different pace of work compared to my previous jobs in academia. In my personal time I enjoy time outdoors with my wife and children whether it is walking in forests or being at the coast. I like body boarding with considerably more enthusiasm than skill and I have a passion for real ale.

Favourite Quote: “All science is either physics or stamp collecting” Ernest Rutherford.

I joined Stephen Green & Associates in August 2018 as the newest Radiation Protection Adviser in training. Having completed my PhD in radiochemistry in 2010, I spent a number of years working for GAU-Radioanalytical, an Enterprise Group within the University of Southampton. My main focus was characterisation of materials originating from a wide array of nuclear sites for waste sentencing and disposal. Whilst fulfilling my role of RPS, I developed an interest in radiation safety and, in particular the use of open sources. I completed my initial radiation protection training with the University of Strathclyde and am continuing to build my portfolio to achieve RPA certification. When not working I enjoy being outside, running, cycling and walking, along with shooting both small/fullbore target and clay pigeon. I have recently joined the RAF Reserves as a logistics mover.

Favourite quote: “In the end, we only regret the chances we didn't take, the relationships we were afraid to have, and the decisions we waited too long to make." Lewis Carroll

Having joined the company in 2015, I have tackled most of the admin tasks but now find myself nestled in the corner of our new offices from where I co-ordinate the training courses that we offer. Our new training facilities have added a new dimension to my role in making sure that everybody enjoys their course and the time spent with us. I’d love to say my time off is spent flying round the world to exotic destinations but working on a house renovation project takes a lot of time and energy. If I do manage to find any spare time I enjoy being creative with the sewing machine, although the ever-growing collection of fabric is telling of the lack of opportunities I find to do this! My family, my dog, my love of music (and the occasional glass of wine) keep me sane.

Favourite quote: “Mutual respect is the foundation of genuine harmony” Dalai Lama

What to say…after 15 years in banking and underwriting, and 10 years bringing up my family in sunny Spain running our property services business with my husband, the last two years have found me at Stephen Green and Associates I swapped the warm weather and the Spanish language for the world of radiation protection and its various acronyms (a foreign language in itself to the uninitiated!. I manage the diary and try to fit everyone in with a “lunch time” appointment! I am a voice you hear when I’m trying to schedule your review, arrange calibrate your monitors or you phone with an enquiry or problem. I love my job, but love my holidays and like nothing more than to sit on a beach with a glass of wine soaking up the sun.

Favourite Quote: ‘Wouldn’t it be great if we could put ourselves in the dryer for ten minutes and come out wrinkle free, three sizes smaller and smelling April fresh!’

I joined the company in December 2017 after working in a Contact Centre environment for over 20 years for the Police and Housing so Radiation Protection is a little different – however I am enjoying learning about a different business sector and everyone in the company are friendly and helpful answering my many questions! I do quite a bit of admin and help to book the appointments for the radiological testing and am now dealing with the accounts and invoicing. I love to spend time gardening and travel – especially to Australia to visit my sister and her family and to America with our friends. I’m a keen runner, not particularly fast, but I get out there in all weathers and am training for another half marathon – I never learn! But the feeling of completing a challenge is great and you’ll often see me running around the forest with my running buddies and enjoying the cake afterwards?

Favourite quote: “Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible’!” Audrey Hepburn

I joined the company in June 2018 and everybody has been so welcoming especially Debbie, I honestly have never had such a lovely manager. Since leaving school I have been a Police Community Support Officer, a Benefits Advisor for the DWP, member of the Center Parcs team and most recently a “mature” student at West Suffolk College studying AAT Level 3 in Accounting. Radiation Protection is a new challenge for me, but I am enjoying the adventure of learning something new everyday and putting it into practice. On a day to day basis I find myself supporting the other members of the team in all aspects of office administration especially the filing, who knew the vast amount of paperwork Radiation Protection creates! When I’m not at work I love to spend time with husband and 4 young children, but I do come to work for a break! I live for family time, holidays especially. I love nothing more than a family holiday to Florida, I love Universal Studios especially Harry Potter World. Unfortunately, my Hogwarts letter got lost in the post. When I’m not running around after my children or cleaning the house for the millionth time of the day I enjoy baking, much to the expense of my husband’s waist line!

Favourite Quote: “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” Albus Dumbledore

Ben has put together our IT system in the new office and is always at the end of the phone if we have any problems. His usual advice of have you tried turning it off and on again normally works!

Steve and Debbie’s dog Toby, joins us in the office most days. His favourite time of the day is lunchtime when he is everyone’s best friend!! Toby is also particularly keen to make sure that the bins are clear of any rubbish too – edible or not! The occasional deep bark when anyone walks past the office, reassures us that he’s on guard and watching out for us! Of course, his wagging tail is a giveaway, he just wants to get out there and meet a new friend!

Favourite quote: “Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen!”