SYPOL LTD (Karen Baxter)

Having completed the BSc course in Occupational Hygiene at the South Bank University Karen joined Sypol as a Consultant Occupational Hygienist, becoming Managing Director in 2003. Karen has over 15 years experience of occupational hygiene, is a Chartered Member of IOSH (CMIOSH), and has been advising customers with regard to management of occupational health and wellbeing since the early 1990s. Some recent examples include acting as Project Director for a multi million pound contract addressing musculo skeletal risk in the workplace and Project Mentor for CBH, the Pilot Scheme providing occupational health advice to small and micro construction firms in Leicestershire.

Karen has been responsible for CMS since its inception in 1990, developing it into the UK's premier service for managing hazardous substances. She has developed and presents numerous practical training courses in the field of occupational hygiene and has delivered "roadshows" on the prevention of occupational ill health for many customers over the years including HSE.

As MD, Karen has overall responsibility for Sypol and over the years, has been instrumental in the company's development. She has seen the business achieve ISO9001:2000 certification, UKAS accreditation as an inspection body for type 1, 2 and 3 asbestos surveying activities and become a recognised Investor in People.

Taking a personal interest in the development of the health and wellbeing agenda, Karen continues to deliver consultancy services to customers in the construction sector. At present she is currently involved in providing strategic reviews for the HM Prison Service and Kew Gardens.