Dave Bench
Biography
Dave has spent most of his career managing the work of specialist staff and leading the management of science and research as part of strategic policy roles. A 6 month secondment in the voluntary sector and a spell leading a corporate support division provided some additional variety.
After graduating from York University (applied and environmental biology) he spent the first 10 years of his career - in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food - in scientific roles dealing with risk assessment of chemicals.
Throughout the rest of his career he has been responsible for policy development and the management of science in a range of areas, including the strategic management of research programmes. This has encompassed a number of policy areas including genetic modification in agriculture, animal health, marine, chemicals, and now across all aspects of health and safety.
As well as acting as operational chief scientist Dave leads 2 directorates in HSE: the Corporate Science, Engineering and Analysis Directorate and the Chemicals Regulation Directorate, and contributes to the wider work of HSE as a member of the senior management team. He also leads the operation of the UK regulatory authority for pesticides, detergents, biocides and other chemicals.
Previous roles in government
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HSE Chief Scientist