WAQTACS provides this expertise through the provision of both consultancy services including on-site or remote audits and reviews as well as site based staff training in quality and technical requirements of accreditation.

Richard’s academic qualifications include a BSc (Hons) in Applied Biochemistry (awarded by Liverpool Polytechnic in 1988) and an MSc in Forensic Science (awarded by Strathclyde University in 1989).

In 1989, Richard joined the Home Office Forensic Science Service (FSS) and became a Senior Scientist Expert Witness in the area of Drugs of Abuse providing evidence in a number of high profile cases including receiving, in 2003, a Chief Constable’s Commendation from West Yorkshire Police for his role in Operation White Horse, a complex and thorough investigation into the criminal activities of a career drug dealer. Richard then moved into operational management within the FSS and was responsible for maintaining operational resources and quality accreditation within defined crime investigation teams.

In 2007, after 18 years working in operational Forensic Science, Richard left the Home Office to take up a post with the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), as an Assessment Manager working primarily in the Forensic Science arena.  Here Richard developed his skill and expertise in the requirements and processes of accreditation to a range of International standards including ISO17020, 17025 and 17043. Richard was also heavily involved in the development and delivery of a range of Forensic based training covering the quality and technical requirements of ISO17020 (Scene of Crime) and ISO17025. Furthermore Richard was a lead trainer for UKAS delivering a range of UKAS courses including auditing, quality and technical management, to a varied audience including overseas delegates. Richard was also a mentor for new UKAS Assessment Managers delivering assessment process training.

After 8 years with UKAS, Richard joined Randox Laboratories Limited in 2015 where he was a Quality Manager responsible for the day to day operational quality management of Randox’s ISO17025 accreditations as well as acting in a consultancy role for the Company’s ISO17043 accreditation. Richard also delivered a number of internal auditing courses and was responsible for the training and development of new internal auditors, as well as delivering training in root cause analysis and ISO17025 awareness and implementation.

Acquired expertise includes

• Assessment of quality management systems to accreditation requirements for ISO17020, 17025 and 17043
• Operational management within accredited systems
• Implementation and development of laboratory and quality management systems in preparation for external assessment by National Accreditation Body
• Creation of accreditation compliant documentation including quality manuals, standard operating procedures and associated forms and records
• Internal auditor training for ISO17020, 17025 and 17043
• Quality Manager and Technical Manager role training for ISO17020 and 17025
• Root cause analysis training for Supervisors and laboratory staff