Chartered Week 2026 takes place from 23rd – 27th February, celebrating the value and impact of Chartered professionals. This year’s theme, Celebrating Trusted Professionals, recognises the vital role Chartered individuals play in upholding high standards, ethics and leadership across sectors.
The Science Council is proud to champion Chartered registration and the professionals who demonstrate excellence through their commitment to continuous development. We encourage you to recognise Chartered colleagues, share your stories using #CharteredWeek, and inspire others to explore registration pathways.
Can you tell us a bit about your work and what you do?
I am a Senior Regulatory Affairs Strategic Director with over 30 years’ experience in regulatory and clinical development, including 22 years at PPD, part of Thermo Fisher Scientific. My role involves providing global regulatory strategy, governance, and oversight across the full product lifecycle, from Phase I through to Marketing Authorisation. I have supported a wide range of therapeutic areas, including vaccines, oncology, neuroscience, cardiovascular and advanced therapy medicinal products, working closely with global regulators to enable timely patient access to medicines.
Why did you decide to apply for Registered Science Technician/Registered Scientist/Chartered Scientist/Chartered Science Teacher?
I applied for Chartered Scientist registration to formally recognise the breadth and depth of my scientific and regulatory experience, and to demonstrate my commitment to professional standards and continued development. Professional registration provides independent validation of my competence, leadership and ethical practice, and reflects the scientific rigour required in regulatory decision-making. Achieving CSci status was also a way of demonstrating credibility and assurance to clients, regulators and colleagues working in complex global development programmes.
What impact has achieving professional registration had on your work or career?
Achieving professional registration has strengthened my professional confidence and reinforced my standing as a scientific leader within regulatory affairs. It has provided additional credibility when engaging with senior stakeholders, regulators and global clients, particularly in complex areas such as vaccines, advanced therapies and conditional approvals. The recognition has also supported my leadership role, enabling me to mentor others and promote high scientific and professional standards across multidisciplinary regulatory and clinical teams.
What did you learn through completing the application process?
The application process encouraged structured reflection on my career, competencies and professional impact. It reinforced the importance of clearly evidencing scientific judgement, leadership, and ethical decision-making across diverse regulatory scenarios. I also gained greater insight into how continuous professional development underpins effective regulatory practice, particularly in a rapidly evolving global environment shaped by innovation, public health needs and regulatory change such as Brexit and COVID-19 response pathways.
What do you value most from being a member of your professional body?
I value being part of a professional community that upholds scientific excellence, integrity and lifelong learning. Membership provides access to continued professional development, shared best practice, and opportunities to contribute to the wider scientific profession. It also offers a platform for professional recognition and engagement beyond my immediate organisation, supporting collaboration, mentoring and the promotion of high standards across science, regulation and healthcare innovation.
What advice would you give to any other scientist like yourself aspiring to achieve professional registration?
My advice would be to start early, reflect honestly on your experience, and map your work clearly to the required competencies. Gather strong evidence that demonstrates not just what you do, but the impact of your scientific judgement and professionalism. Engage with mentors or colleagues who are already registered, and view the process as a valuable development exercise rather than just an application. The reflection itself is highly rewarding.
Become professionally registered
Have you been inspired by James? Find out how to apply to become a Chartered Scientist (CSci) here.