Leading scientists wanted to join new HSE committee

The Science Quality Assurance Group (SQAG) will give HSE independent assurance on the relevance and quality of its scientific research.

Professor Cath Noakes is to chair the group, which will have 12 members in total. Noakes was a member of the UK Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) during the Covid crisis and is professor of Environmental Engineering for Buildings at the University of Leeds. She has a background in ventilation, air quality, and infection control and was awarded an OBE for her services to the pandemic in 2020.

Commenting on her new role, she said: “It’s a real honour to be appointed to this role as chair of a new committee that I believe can play an important part in ensuring science-based evidence used to protect people and places is of the highest quality.

“I have had the pleasure of seeing at first hand HSE’s scientific expertise being put to full use during the pandemic ranging from fundamental studies on transmission through to the production of information videos on ventilation that helped inform workplaces of good practice in stopping the spread of the virus.”

Chair of HSE, Sarah Newton, added: “Professor Noakes brings with her a wealth of scientific experience and her expertise and knowledge is a perfect fit as chair of our new committee.

“The newly formed Science Quality Assurance Group will consider how science and evidence delivered by HSE helps to maintain Great Britain’s record as one of the safest countries to work in while supporting our 10-year strategy. We look forward to working with the group and welcome Cath as chair.”

SQAG members will be independent and organised into four subgroups: health and safety, net zero, chemicals safety and buildings safety.

For more information and to apply see: careers.hse.gov.uk