Michelle takes on top analyst role

A new public analyst has been appointed by Staffordshire County Council.

Michelle Evans is now one of only six women in the UK to hold this post and the first Staffordshire person to have achieved the professional qualification for 40 years.

The role of a public analyst is to work with local authorities to ensure the health and safety of the public via the testing of food samples, animal feed, fertilisers, cosmetics, toys and domestic water supplies amongst other things.

All local authorities by law are required to appoint public analysts. Michelle's role will include writing certificates of analysis and attending court as an expert witness. She will also act as quality manager and deputy agricultural analyst.'

Michelle has worked for the county council for more than 22 years, beginning her career as an office junior. Her first job in the laboratory was as an assistant analyst in 1986 and since then she has studied part time to achieve a number of qualifications while also receiving in-house training.

Michelle achieved the qualification of Mastership in Chemical Analysis in order to be appointed to the public analyst role. This requires a degree in chemistry and a minimum of five years experience in a public analyst's laboratory.

"I started studying for the MChemA in 2002. It's a self study course and is by far the hardest qualification I have ever done – it includes written exams, submission of a portfolio and culminates in an eight hour practical exam which I passed in October this year. Looking back to when it all started – my inspiration to work in this area came from my school chemistry teacher who was incredibly enthusiastic and made the whole subject seem fascinating," she said.

Councillor Carol Dean, the council's cabinet member for safer and stronger communities, said: "We are very proud.

"Michelle is a local person that has studied part time for her degree and then for a further five years to obtain a professional qualification.

"This is a big boost for the laboratory to have another qualified public analyst and our strategic partnership with Leicestershire County Council means that Michelle has also been appointed public analyst for them."