Director/Office Manager

Debbie Green

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!’

Director / RPA / RWA / MPE CRadP MSRP MIPEM BEd DCR(R)

Stephen Green

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.

RPA / RWA / MPE BSc (Hons) PhD CRadP MSRP

Sarah Dorling

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, I was 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 also on the current list of Medical Physics Experts.

I am a member of S.R.P. and have recently achieved my Chartered Radiation Protection Professional accreditation. I am also a member of the AUPRO and part of the HERT (Higher Education Research & Teaching) working group.  As part of that working group we have recently and successfully submitted a paper which was published in the Journal of Radiological Protection

The status of the radiation safety culture within the higher education, research and teaching sectors in the UK – IOPscience

 In 2017 I was invited to be part of an ICRP Task Group 110 on veterinary applications of ionising radiation. Over the last few years, with international contribution (mainly virtually due to travel restrictions with COVID) from all members of the task group, a paper on Veterinary Applications of Ionising Radiations has been written and will hopefully be published in 2021.

In 2018, I faced my biggest challenge yet, becoming a mum to my little boy Thomas. Following maternity leave, I returned to SG&A, working 3 days a week. My role as senior RPA is more office based, but I am still actively involved in all aspects of our radiation work in addition to writing and delivering virtual training for clients and overseeing our training programme for our trainees.

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

RPA / RWA / MPE BSc (Hons) MSRP

Liam Sherar

After being kidnapped from my administration position for the NHS in 2015 by Steve and Debbie, I was put to work in the role of RPA / RWA in training for SG&A. In this time on the road with Steve and Sarah, I developed Stockholm syndrome and a diverse knowledge of the application, use, practical and legislative requirements of ionising radiation. In just under 4 years I had submitted my portfolios to RPA2000 and was subsequently certificated (certified!) as a Radiation Protection Adviser and Radioactive Waste Adviser in 2019. I am also a certificated Medical Physics Expert in Radiology Physics.

I advise clients in many different industries and professions including medical (e.g. dental, Chiropractor and DEXA), veterinary x-ray and nuclear medicine (scintigraphy and therapy), food companies, security x-ray scanning, flower companies, XRF users, contaminated shipments, ground monitoring and transport.

Personal achievements include:

• Achieving a degree in Analytical and Forensic Sciences from Coventry University
• Paying off my student overdraft before the interest levels kicked in
• Progressing my CV working as a banana humper in Australia
• Submitting my March 2021 receipts before being asked for them
• Insulating my garage door
• Dismantling and then reassembling IKEA furniture

Favourite quote:

“There is no sunrise so beautiful that it is worth waking me up to see it.”

RPA / RWA / MPE In Training MChem (Hons) PhD

Hayley Gillings

I joined Stephen Green and associates in February 2019 as a Radiation Protection Advisor / Radiation waste advisor in training. I completed a PhD in radiochemistry, looking at cleaning up nuclear waste and characterising materials using x-rays. After this I worked teaching Chemistry, specifically Radiochemistry at University. One of the key components of teaching the students was how to approach the use of radiation ‘safely’ and understanding the risks. My interest in radiation safety was born. Looking for a change in direction I joined the team and haven’t looked back since. Everyone here are so lovely and welcoming and no day is ever the same!
In my free time I love walks in the country with my partner and our dog Poppy. I also do displays with Poppy as part of a team to raise money for charity.

Favourite Quote: “Your value does not decrease based on someone’s inability to see your worth.”

RPA / RWA / MPE in Training MPhys MSc PhD

Andy Cole

My interest in physics started in my early twenties but it wasn’t until I became a mature student that I actually began to make sense of it. Once I started, I couldn’t stop and spent 12 years in education.  After completing an ‘Access to Higher Education’ course at York College, I completed an MPhys degree in physics at the University of Sheffield. It was during my third and fourth years when I became interested in radiation detection.  Following a Masters degree at the University of Surrey in Radiation Detection and Instrumentation, I returned to Sheffield for my PhD where I undertook a feasibility study into the use of Pulsed Fast-Thermal Neutron Activation Analysis for cargo screening applications. Was fortunate enough to work with people who introduced me to Radiation Protection as part of the commissioning process for a fast neutron generator at our measurement facility. After several postdoc positions at Boulby Underground Laboratory in the UK I took a position at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in Berkeley, CA, working on the Lux-Zeplin dark matter detector. My primary role was low-background counting of the detector components at the facility in Berkeley, and the Sanford Underground Laboratory in Lead, South Dakota.

I have wanted to pursue a career in radiation protection, for many years and when I returned to the UK in 2020, I was offered the opportunity to join SG&A as a trainee RPA/RWA. I am really enjoying the work so far and looking forward to this new chapter in my career.

My main interests are science-fiction, playing golf and travel. I also have a 7-year-old daughter who cares much more about unicorns than radiation… But I am working on that!

Favourite quote: Don’t dream it…BE it.

RPA / RWA / MPE In Training

Dave Richardson

I joined SG&A in June 2019 as an RPA in training.
My previous work was as a diagnostic radiographer having qualified in 1983. I have worked in several hospitals around the country in various radiographic roles, and retiring from the health service in 2018.
My partner and I moved to Norfolk to develop our dream house and grow old disgracefully. I enjoy adventure/ activity type travel, cycling, bringing golf into disrepute and the study/observation of African wildlife.

Favourite Quote-“Take only photos, leave only footprints.”

Operations Manager

Karen Bird

What to say……when I left school after doing my A Levels (yes, I’m old enough to have done CSE’s, O’levels and A’levels!) I joined Barclays and did roles which don’t exist anymore like Machine Room Supervisor and Counter Manager.  I then moved to Ford Credit where I stayed for 10 years as Commercial Underwriting Supervisor. With a now or never attitude, in 2014 we took a leap and moved to Andalucía, Spain where we spent 10 years bringing up our family in rural Spain running our property services business with my husband.

So, what to do on my return to the UK?  Getting used to the UK weather was a challenge, as was a year back in the banking hall of Barclays. So, in 2016 I was keen to join a business that shared my focus on customer service and this lead me to Stephen Green and Associates.  Here 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!). X-rays are nowhere near as relaxing as the sun’s rays!

I now manage the office and the administration team where we try our best to accommodate everyone’s request for a “lunch time” appointment! I am a voice you hear when we’re trying to schedule your review, arrange calibration of your monitors or you phone with an enquiry or problem.

I love my job but love my holidays too 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!’

Accounts and Dosimetry Manager

Liz Elliott

I joined the company in December 2017 after working in a Contact Centre environment for over 20 years for the Police and in the Housing Sector so Radiation Protection was a little different.   I began in the team as an administrator and booking appointments but my role has developed over the last couple of years.

My main role is Accounts Manager however I also run the Dosimetry Team with Nicki and Charlotte.  I still like to keep my hand in and help out to do some of the office admin when needed – we are a team so work very closely together and help each other out…although the rest of the team may not like all the questions I keep asking when things have changed!

I love spending time in the garden and travelling – I don’t mind whether it’s near or far but enjoy travelling with my husband and friends.

I’m a keen runner, not particularly fast, but I get out there in all weathers and with the forest on my doorstep it’s never a dull place to run! I love the social side of running – especially the weekends away if we are doing races and the drinks, afternoon tea, meals together if we’re not racing.

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

Senior Office Administrator/Operations/Dosimetry

Charlotte Percival

I joined the company in June 2018 and everybody was so welcoming, especially Debbie, I honestly have never had such a lovely boss. 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 was a whole different subject for me to learn and I’m still learning new things on a weekly basis!

I joined SG&A as a member of the administration team, dealing with the daily paperwork and client queries that come with Radiation Protection. My role has developed over the years and I now provide support with dosimetry, arranging visits to practices and having responsibility for the the company website and social platforms.

When I’m not at work I love to spend time with husband, 4 young children and my border collie Max, but I do love to come to work for a break! I love family time, especially holidays my favourite holiday is to Florida, 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 reading, forest walks and baking.

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

Office Administrator

Tanya Cork

I joined Stephen Green and Associates in September 2021 as an office administrator and have received such a lovely warm welcome from everyone. Having had various administration roles in a High School, a GP surgery and Veterinary Practices, Radiation protection is something very different for me. I am thoroughly enjoying learning all about the industry and the team are fantastic answering my many questions.

In my spare time I love to go walking with my fiancé, particularly in the forest, decorating and spending time with family and friends. This year we have been renovating our house and after our wedding was moved due to the coronavirus lockdown in 2020, I am looking forward to getting married next June and spending two weeks in the sun.

Favourite quote: “Tomorrow is not guaranteed, so live for today”

Office Administrator / Dosimetry

Nicki Young

I joined Stephen Green and Associates at the beginning of August 2020 and everyone has been so welcoming and friendly and I am really enjoying my new role here. Having spent many years working in Construction as a Graduate Recruitment Manager and for the last 4 years as a Reception Manager for a veterinary practice. Working within radiation protection is a completely different environment but I am thoroughly enjoying learning all about a completely different business sector. There is so much to learn but everyone is so helpful and supportive. I love all the administration and paperwork involved in my role as an office administrator!

In my spare time I love gardening and growing my own veg, crafting and looking after my menagerie of animals, including my dog, cat, rabbits and chickens!

Favourite quote: “Do what makes you oh so happy!”

Office Administrator / Training

Tracey Simonds

I  joined Stephen Green & Associates in August 2020 as an administrator in the office, having come from a variety of different industries including travel, pharmaceutical and the charity sector within education. I’m finding the change of industry really interesting and the team have been incredibly welcoming (and very patient with my endless questions!). Travel is my first love and when time and budget allows, I try and get away anywhere I can, be it close to home or further afield, I don’t mind where. Most of the time it is in my old campervan Audrey (who is more like a family member and probably nicer to be around sometimes) and now that my teenagers are no longer keen to come along I often get the opportunity to go off in my van on my own, which is great fun. Music is my second love, I play guitar in a local band and also help run a our village singing group, the focus there being more on community than the singing as there is generally a lot of coffee, chat and general socialising when we meet!

Favourite Quote: “Don’t sweat the small stuff and don’t smell the sweaty stuff.”

IT Specialist

Benjamin Green

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!

Office dogs body – literally!

Toby Green

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!”