ATaC Management Committee

The ATaC Management Committee was formed in July 1998 to champion analytical, surveying and consultancy organisations, and promote greater awareness amongst professionals who identify and manage asbestos-containing materials within buildings.

Our mission is to provide the best possible service and support to assist ATaC members and customers. We aim to be an essential strategic partner to all companies providing asbestos management through our values of integrity, service, excellence, teamwork and responsibility, and our commitment to support members, customers and colleagues.

ATaC’s aims and objectives are established and driven by members, who devote their valuable time and experience as representatives on the ATaC Management Committee.

Committee Goals

The committee support ATaC members by:

Acting as a voice for testing, inspection, and consulting organisations.
Enabling information sharing, networking, and development opportunities.
Providing guidance and support to members.
Representing and promoting the interests of its members and clients.
Developing partnerships and collaboration with other stakeholders and policymakers by fostering engagement between ATaC members, clients, HSE, UKAS and other groups.
Enhancing the reputation and visibility of the profession and industry.
Contributing to the growth and advancement of professionalism within the asbestos industry, particularly among ATaC members.
Supporting campaign groups, charities, and other groups, such as trade unions, with assistance where their goals align with ours.

Robert Southall

ATaC Manager

Robert started his journey in the asbestos industry in 2000, working for UKAS accredited organisations as an asbestos surveyor/analyst. Over the next few years, he progressed to project manager. After a short time in the licenced asbestos removal sector as a project manager, Rob has spent most of his later career working for asbestos trade associations carrying out site audits, training, NVQ assessment and IQA. Rob has been the ATaC Manager for over three years, representing and promoting the interests of ATaC members and the asbestos testing, inspection, and consulting sector.

Andrew Jackson

CEO, Acorn Analytical Services

After just 4-years in the industry, Andrew moved to Acorn Analytical Services as Managing Director when it was established in 2000. He is responsible for corporate policy and procedures associated with the asbestos consultancy services provided by Acorn Analytical Services, and now assumes the role of CEO. Andrew has developed excellent links within the asbestos industry and has been a member of the ATaC Management Committee since 2002. Additionally, he sits on the ARCA Governing Council as an ATaC member representative, having just completed serving two years as the ARCA Chairman.

Paul Shaw

Commercial Director, Environtec

Joining Environtec as a trainee analyst in 1996, Paul quickly gained significant experience in air monitoring and surveying before advancing to project manager. His career includes time in Europe and Asia, as well as extensive work in Gibraltar on Ministry of Defence sites, where he managed complex asbestos projects. In 2007, Paul joined the board as Technical Director and later became Commercial Director. Currently, he oversees the company’s marketing strategy and project management supply chain, while mentoring the senior management team. He also serves as Contract Director for several blue-chip clients. Paul joined the ATaC Management Committee in January 2024. He was keen to work alongside like-minded consultancy leaders to support and give a voice to the asbestos consultancy sector.

John Richards

Managing Director, Thames Laboratories

With over 40 years’ experience, John has seen significant changes within the asbestos industry, leading to a career focused on improvement. Starting as an analyst in 1983, he established Thames Laboratories in 1991. John joined the ATaC Management Committee in 2001 to give a voice to the industry, proving clarity and, where necessary, a mechanism to challenge for improvements and change in asbestos management. This has also provided a platform to discuss industry challenges and. Throughout his career, John has been actively involved with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and their associated technical working groups, RICS working groups and consultation panels. He has been the pivotal driver for the Asbestos Information Certificate initiative.

Jonathan Francis

Director, Riverside Environmental Services

Jonathan joined the asbestos industry in 1996 as an analyst/surveyor and has diligently progressed to director/owner of Riverside Environmental Services since its establishment in 2002. He joined the ATaC Management Committee in 2008, serving as the ATaC Chairman on the Asbestos Removal Contractors Association (ARCA) Governing Council. Jonathan believes the way you work affects the safety and protection that you are able to offer. ATaC understands that the industry can be complex and confusing, so we want to give independent, trustworthy advice with clarity, reliability and integrity’ in-line with ATaC core values. He has been an important influence in the asbestos industry, actively involved in new developments and innovations.

Mick Dawson

Director, Dawson Asbestos Consulting Ltd

Mick has been advising on asbestos issues since 1989, working for some of the largest asbestos consultancies in the UK. After a successful 20-year career in a variety of managerial roles, he established Dawson Asbestos Consulting Ltd in 2010, an independent consulting business providing technical assistance to Dutyholders, UKAS laboratories and other groups within the asbestos industry. He specialises in dutyholder responsibilities, development and implementation of asbestos management systems and asbestos training. Mick has been an active member of the ATaC Management Committee since 1999. As well as being a Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health, Mick is a Chartered Environmentalist and a member of the BOHS Faculty of Asbestos Assessment and Management (FAAM).

Rob Blackburn

Director, Knights Research Ltd

Rob has experience spanning back to 1987. He refined his skills in all aspects of asbestos management and compliance on-site as a Quality and Technical Manager before concentrating solely on consultancy work as Managing Director of one of the largest independent multi-disciplinary asbestos consultancies in the UK. In 2013, Rob established Knights Research Ltd, specialising in expert witness, advice and consultancy on asbestos in regarding contract disputes, civil cases, personal injury claims and criminal cases. He joined the ATaC Management Committee as one if it’s founding members in 1998. He passionately represents the consultancy sector on many of the UK’s regulatory working groups and committees. Over the last 20+ years, Rob’s contribution has supported ATaC members and improved the industry, while fostering positive relationships with both UKAS and the HSE.

Chris Parr

QHSE Director, Lucion Services

Chris joined the asbestos testing and inspection industry in 2004 and has worked across all disciplines of analytical, surveying, laboratory, auditing, project management and training. Since 2011 Chris has been instrumental in establishing a Quality, Health, Safety, and Environmental (QHSE) culture at Lucion Services, which includes developing and maintaining an integrated Quality Management System. As the QHSE Director at Lucion Services, Chris has a comprehensive understanding of the requirements of UK safety and asbestos legislation and regulations. He has notable experience working with UK asbestos industry regulators and bodies to ensure internal procedures are in line with regulatory and guidance requirements, whilst developing compliance strategies, utilising technology, and innovation. He joined the ATaC Management Committee in January 2025.