The Association of Public Analysts
Who are we?
Public Analysts are the highly skilled scientists who form the primary scientific base of the United Kingdom's public protection enforcement service where chemical analysis and related testing are appropriate. In Scotland Public Analysts are also responsible for microbiological examination of food.
There are 24 Public Analyst laboratories within the UK, forming an integrated and mutually supportive network with massive technical capability to ensure the best scientific expertise is available to local authorities for their law enforcement role. The Association of Public Analysts is strengthened by another 7 laboratories located in Eire, The Isle of Man, the Channel Islands and Australia.
Some laboratories are private practices, whilst others are local government departments; all provide the same essential high quality service to the community. A complete list of UK Public Analysts' laboratories, is given in The Laboratories section.
Objectives of the Association
The APA is an independent, professional association whose members are appointed Public Analysts. The objectives for which the Association was established are:
- To uphold and maintain the character and position of Public Analysts and Official Agricultural Analysts and of the profession of analytical chemistry in the public service;
- To protect and advance the interests of Public Analysts and Official Agricultural Analysts;
- To promote co-operation between Public Analysts;
- To encourage, assist and extend the knowledge and study of analytical chemistry;
- To encourage, assist and extend the knowledge and study of all questions relating to the adulteration, contamination, description and composition of food, drugs and commercial products
Membership of the Association
Membership of the Association is aimed at any person performing a scientific role within an Official Food and Agricultural Control Laboratory as their work place around the world It is not restricted to United Kingdom Public Analyst laboratories and other EC laboratories. Persons from other laboratories are welcome to join the Association. For more details and application forms Click here
Presidents of the Association
The Association elects at its Annual General Meeting a President to take the lead in discussions with central and local government bodies and to chair the Council of the Association. Normally the President is elected for two years. A list of presidents since the creation of the Association in 1954 is available along with photographs of some of them.
Continuing Professional Competence
In common with many professional organisations the APA has introduced a scheme of Continuing Professional Competence (CPC). The Public Analysts who have successfully completed the CPC process in 2006 to 2009 are listed here.
Further Information
Over the years the Association has produced a number of brochures on the work of Public Analysts and these are available here:
Protection is Priority
Food - Our Primary Role
Protecting the Quality of Life
Qualified to Protect
For an explanation of the significance of our crest Click here
|
