Dr Robert Hefford has a doctorate in Chemistry from the University of Leeds and has over 30 years experience in the cosmetics and household products industries. His first job was with Unilever Research which was followed by a period with Bristol-Myers Squibb which subsequently became Clairol. Following the purchase of Clairol by P&G in 2001, he left to form Independent Cosmetic Advice Ltd which provides technical direction and advice for and about the cosmetics industry. He works on the technical and regulatory aspects of many cosmetic products for a large range of clients (in the UK, EU, USA and India) specialising in the hair (particularly colouring) area. His expertise is mainly in the formulation, claims support and production areas of cosmetics and has been on the “sticky” end of a number of microbial issues during his career.
Ian Blenkharn is an independent healthcare and environmental microbiologist with a 30+ year background in the NHS and University Medical Schools. His research-driven international practice focuses on aspects of general and environmental microbiology, together with pharmaceutical microbiology, infection control, product design, development and evaluation, audit and training in the healthcare, waste and environment sectors. He specialises in aspects of infection control, environmental and hospital hygiene and healthcare waste management, and has particular interests in device-related and post-surgical infections, hospital hygiene, microbiology, the safe management of clinical wastes and bio-safety.
Joanna Verran is Professor of Microbiology in the School of Biology, Chemistry and Health Science at Manchester Metropolitan University. Her research is interdisciplinary, involving collaboration with materials scientists, polymer and dental technologists and surface engineers, and focusing on the interactions occurring between microorganisms and inert surfaces. The effect of changes in surface chemistry and topography on these interactions, and effects on hygienic status and cleanability are of particular interest. The presence of non-microbial inorganic and organic material can also affect these parameters. Applications therefore address food, water and environmental aspects, as well as the oral health of denture wearers. Professor Verran also has a keen and active interest in microbiology education.
John Pickup, BA (Oxon), CChem, FRSC, is an independent consultant specialising in scientific issues. Though many of these issues revolve around environmental impacts or health and safety questions, he has also become deeply involved with hygiene in the home and community and related issues such as the ‘hygiene hypothesis’. John played a central role in the development the Guidance on Anti-microbial claims for consumer products now adopted by the cleaning products industry and Clearcast. He is a member of the expert panel of IFH – the International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene – which has pioneered a HACCP-based approach to hygiene in the domestic setting.
John Rigarlsford is a Microbiologist and has had over 40 years experience with the hygiene industry mainly working for various Unilever Companies. He retired from JohnsonDiversey in October 2003 and then set up John Rigarlsford & Associates Ltd offering an International Hygiene Consultancy to the Food & Beverage Industries, Farms, Retailers, Hospitals and the Pharmaceutical Industry. He regularly gives presentations on Hygiene and Microbiology at UK and International Meetings; has written many papers on Hygiene and Microbiology; and gives lectures on Cleaning and Disinfection at various Universities. John is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Biology, a Member of the Society of General Microbiology and the Society for Applied Microbiology, and a Director of The Society of Food Hygiene and Technology. He is one of the three UK representatives at the European Standards Agency (CEN) for the technical group responsible for the harmonisation of European Disinfection Test Methods and has represented the UK at a recent OECD Meeting on Disinfectants in Washington.
Download the Product accreditation brochure >
Information for Manufacturers, suppliers and clients >