Neil Shepherd has more than 25 years’ experience in the laboratory accreditation space and is responsible for ensuring the technical integrity of accreditation activities in the Life Sciences Sector.During this time Neil has developed significant expertise in the areas of food and environmental testing, occupational hygiene and animal health.Innovation, problem solving and strategic thinking are key attributes that Neil brings to his role at NATA. He is an advocate for stakeholder engagement and participates in multiple committees and working groups both nationally and internationally to broaden the understanding of accreditation and how this impacts people and society.Neil has always been keenly aware that the quality of scientific data is paramount to sound decision making.Throughout his career with NATA, Neil has contributed to a number of strategic initiatives. These include the developing NATA’s Life Sciences accreditation criteria, tabular scopes of accreditation and enhancing NATA’s stakeholder engagement information management system.NATA’s experience and reputation are a bonus for all accredited facilities and stakeholders and Neil is proud to have been able to contribute to that success over the years.Neil has held the position of Sector Manager, Life Sciences since 2011, a role that encompasses the following:• maintenance of NATA the Accreditation Criteria pertaining to Life Sciences;• review of accreditation recommendations;• secretary for the Animal Health and Life Sciences Accreditation Advisory Committees;• staff training and mentoring;• recruitment of Technical Assessors;• stakeholder engagement; andBefore joining NATA’ Neil worked in the UK for Wyeth Pharmaceuticals in the quality control department undertaking microbiological testing of raw materials, finished products and the production environment. Neil graduated from Portsmouth University with a Honours Degree in Biological Sciences.