Sara Cooper Email & Phone Number

I can offer independent experience as a Board Member bringing expertise in Governance and Risk Management in both the academic and public sectors. I have proven ability to achieve cultural change and champion the less-represented and unpopular specialist disciplines such as Health and Safety . I am also familiar with developing policy and strategy in challenging environments and especially where evidence and results-driven outcomes are the tangible proof of success. Educated originally at Oxford, and with a research degree in a biological subject, I worked for 15 years in the food industry, including holding a senior post in a non-governmental research organisation and heading up a chemistry laboratory specialising in reference analysis and in crisis management. I have worked on several expert committees both in the UK and for the EC, and have advised international clients setting up specialist facilities. Some of the more unusual projects I undertook included the design and operation of safety-critical laboratories.Stimulated by these projects, I made a deliberate career change to safety and I have worked as a safety professional now for over 18 years. As a skilled communicator, I enjoy developing working relationships which are influential and effective both within and outwith my employer and in promoting standards of excellence through my professional associations. I held a directorial post at the University of Cambridge for 8 years and found the academic hot-house environment an intellectual and practical challenge. Nevertheless this has proved valuable to my role as self -employed safety consultant specialising in executive, director and management training in the Biopharma and University sectors where persuasive skills are vital.Specialities: Board level experience, driving cultural change, governance and risk management, championing safety, expert trainer, especially in biosafety and biosecurity,achieving management buy-in, developing strategy, demonstrating success through evidence-based monitoring and audit, Promoting good communication and strong team development

Listed skills include Biotechnology, Lifesciences, Biochemistry, Laboratory, and 8 others.