David Bremner CEnv MNucl CSci
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS PROFESSION?
I have a scientific background (degree in chemistry) and started work with UKAEA as a radiochemist then transitioned into waste management. It then seemed to be a natural step to move into radiological and environmental protection within the nuclear industry.
I have always been interested in science and the nuclear industry seemed to be the right industry for me to continue my interest in science. My managers with UKAEA motivated me to expand my knowledge in the nuclear industry and they sponsored me to do my chemistry degree, to help with my career progression.
WHY DID YOU BECOME CHARTERED?
To gain external accreditation. Others said to me it would be too much work and too difficult, which motivated even more to go for it. I also felt it would help expand and enhance my knowledge of science and scientific-related legislation.
I am also passionate about scientific improvements and development and how it can improve the world, particularly in relation to environmental remediation of nuclear sites and how scientific innovation can solve some of the legacy issues. In addition I am passionate about how scientific innovation help to solve climate change.
WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE BENEFITS OF CHARTERSHIP?
It demonstrates to my employer and other key stakeholders that I have been accredited by a national independent body as a professional environmentalist.
Once you have achieved it I feel it promotes continual professional development.
WHAT DO YOU VALUE MOST FROM BEING A MEMBER OF A PROFESSIONAL BODY?
It helps with CPD and networking with like-minded people in the industry, and also allows access to a range of resources. It has also allowed me to give something back by being a member of the NI Membership Committee and also as an assessor/interviewer for applicants who wish to be members and/or Chartered Scientists. I am also a trained Licence Reviewer for the Science Council.
HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO BE A RECOGNISED ENVIRONMENTAL PROFESSIONAL?
It demonstrates to my employer and other key stakeholders (including environmental regulators) that I am an environmental professional and competent to provide environmental advice to ensure compliance with environmental legislation. It also gives me a sense of pride that I am recognised as a professional environmentalist by a professional body.
This is particularly important in the nuclear industry as non-radioactive environmental legislation has not historically been high on the agenda in comparison to nuclear and radiological safety. Project managers etc are not always fully aware of environmental legislation. For example, the need to comply with F-gas legislation when installing air conditioning units on new build projects, compliance with pollution prevention control legislation when installing grout plants for encapsulating radioactive wastes, compliance with ecology legislation when preparing to construct new facilities on nuclear sites (such as preventing the disturbance of birds’ nests), compliance with non-radioactive/special waste legislation during nuclear decommissioning, ensuring nuclear sites have an up-to-date environmental aspects register etc.
Therefore it is important that chartered environmentalists are a key part of the team within the nuclear industry to ensure environmental legislation compliance, and it is important to highlight environmental sustainability, particularly at this time when global climate change is a high priority.
HOW DID YOU FIND THE APPLICATION PROCESS?
The CSci paper application is quite time-consuming, and it is important to give practical examples of work you had done in relation to the questions in the application. When the application is accepted, this is generally followed up with an interview (either face-to-face or online), with two CSci qualifed assessors.
This will last for an hour, again it is important to prepare for the interview with plenty of practical work examples (e.g. interactions with regulators, advice to employers, scientific improvements/research, reporting non-compliances, keeping up to date with new legislation, training, etc.)
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