Paul Hancock BSc, MChemA, MRSC, FIFST

Paul Hancock joined the Government Chemist programme in July 2020 as Head of the Office of the Government Chemist, Referee Analyst and Nominated Officer. Paul has 24 years’ experience of enforcement analytical chemistry (1995-2019), including 11 years’ experience as a public and agriculture analyst (2008-2019) and 8 years (2011-2019) as head of an official control laboratory. Prior to this Paul worked in environmental analysis and coal utilisation research (1991-1995), and has recent experience of the animal feed industry (2020). His technical areas of expertise include high level interpretative skills in food safety and standards, general analytical chemistry and associated issues; working knowledge of ISO 17025 (UKAS) quality issues, ISO 9000 lead auditor qualified and he is a specialist in food law enforcement (labelling, allergens, health claims, composition, additives, GMOs, contaminants, consumer complaints). Paul has also served on the Association of Public Analysts’ training committee for over 20 years, including as secretary and now as APA Training Officer. He has also used his experience to successfully mentor a number of candidates through the MChemA examination process.