Radiation Protection Today Summer 2023 | Page 14

IN THE

HOT SEAT

An interview with Jennifer Humphries , SRP ’ s 54th President and the youngest female in this role .
Jennifer is a Radiation Protection Advisor at Sellafield Ltd , working in the Corporate Radiation Protection Team , which provides the rules , tools and assurance for radiological protection for the company .
The Interviewed Magnox by Swarf Lisa Storage Smith , Safety Silo Advisor at Sellafield Ltd and
Secretary of SRP ' s Rising Generations Group Committee . Lisa speaks to Jennifer about her career and achievements to date .
What involvement have you had in SRP up to now ? I helped organise a Nuclear Committee event in 2008 , and in 2009 volunteered to get more involved with SRP . At that time SRP was implementing its first strategic plan , which included setting up a group for those early in their careers . I was selected , and attended the founding meeting of the Rising Generations Group ( RGG ) in January 2009 . I was on the RGG committee for a number of years and was the first RGG member elected to SRP Council in 2012 . I served on Council until 2015 , then became Chair of the Schools Outreach Working Group , which became the Outreach Committee . I helped organise the first stand at the Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Fair in 2016 , and was stand manager in 2017 and 2018 . In 2018 , I took on the role of Director of Engagement , and was back on SRP Council . I served two terms , then was approached about the
“ What am I most looking forward to during my time as President ? Meeting interesting people . Our SRP members are very diverse in location , industry and role ; as President I am hoping I get to meet more of them .”
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President-Elect role . I had to ask two people before I could commit to it – my husband and my line manager . Luckily , they were both supportive and the rest is history .
What has been your greatest challenge at work ? Persuading people to do something they don ’ t want to do . Often we have to change projects or tasks to make them safer , and being able to explain why can be difficult . You need to understand why people are reluctant and be able to explain to non-specialists why the change is required , especially when we are breaking containment and are unclear about the contamination hazard which may be present .
What do you enjoy the most at work ? Helping people with their development and seeing them reach their goals . Closely followed by seeing projects and tasks I have supported getting completed with no significant radiation protection issues .
What do you do in your spare time ? I have a family ( a husband and two daughters ) so some of it is spent with them . We love camping for our holidays , and are off for a couple of weeks in the UK over the summer . I also play and umpire in the local
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