Win an IPad

You could win an IPad - just enter our caption competition.

The winning entry will be selected by Jim Grace (Operations Director) and Ian Moore (Technical Director), and the closing date for entries is Wednesday 29^th February 2012.

Send your caption to info@ijsc.co.uk with the subject "Caption Competition".

IJS are Recruiting at all levels.  If you are interested in joining our team, please visit our recruitment page to find out more, or visit our stand at the Nuclear Institute YGN Networking Event at The Centre, Birchwood Park on Tuesday 7th February.

The last month has seen a new intake of staff at IJS Consultants, with the additions of Tom Foxall, Jerry Rainbird and, most recently, Sonja Shaw to the ranks.  Tom and Jerry arrive with significant experience in the nuclear industry, with over 30 years apiece in a wide variety of roles.  Sonja comes in to build up IJSC’s environmental capability with her 25 years experience in Waste, Environmental and Radiochemistry fields.

IJS Consultants’ Clive Wilkins and Matt Williams recently volunteered to represent the Nuclear Institute’s Young Generation Network at the “Engineering Your Future” Event at UCLan Westleigh Campus near Preston.  This event, which is one of a number in the North West, has run successfully for the past few years introducing local school and college leavers to various engineering fields and potential careers.  Other presenters included representative from Land Rover, Heinz and BAE Systems along with some of the other major engineering Institutions.  Joined by some representatives from NSG Environmental, Clive and Matt presented a ‘Nuclear Quiz’ to test the knowledge of the visiting students and prospective engineers of the future.  Allied with a fun ‘Manipulator Challenge’, the youngsters were introduced to the unique opportunities and challenges associated with working in the nuclear industry.

James Carr and Geeta Devgun represented IJS Consultants at this year’s IChemE Hazards XXII Conference, at which they presented their paper: “Safety of the Nuclear Industry:  A Case Study of Public Awareness and Perceptions” (IChemE Symposium series, No. 156, pp. 375-383).

Both James and Geeta enjoyed the experience of sharing their research with industry professionals and believe their contribution to the field of risk perception to be a valuable and unique approach to the understanding of the public perception of the risks associated with nuclear power.  This was recognised by the newly formed Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) who we thank for their positive feedback at the conference.

IJS Consultants took part in the inaugral Nuclear Karting Cup at Warrington Speedkarting on 13/11/10.  After a frantic 3 hours of racing and the mandatory 11 driver changes the top four teams all finished together on the 148th lap.  IJS came in a solid 3rd position out of the 22 teams that competed.

The Nuclear karting Cup is an annual networking event for companies which operate in the nuclear sector.

Thank you to the organisers for a very sucessful and enjoyable event.

Ian Moore (Technical Director) has recently been awarded a Fellowship from the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE). Ian has been a Chartered Engineer since 2006 and sees this as the next step in his career, demonstrating that his job within the nuclear industry and IJS Consultants shows an important position of responsibility in Chemical Engineering.

Ian said “Whilst studying at undergraduate level it was always a long term goal to become a Fellow of the Institution”. Within IJS Consultants we are keen to develop individual skills, both on a personal and professional level. This is demonstrated right through the company, with Graduates putting together their own Personal Development Log with a view of achieving recognition from professional institutions.

IJS Consultants returned to the Annual IMechE North West Young Members Karting event and came out on top after a full 2 hours racing.  The previous years winners made a valiant charge towards the end of the race to finish 17 seconds adrift in second place.

IJS Consultants would like to thank all the clients who took part in the Customer Satisfaction Survey. The input and comments will enable us to improve our service to all our clients. IJSC has been awarded a Gold BenchmarQ Award for Customer Satisfaction achieved (based on the results of the Customer Satisfaction Survey conducted in April to June 2010).

IJSC’s overall Customer Satisfaction has increased since the previous survey in May 2006, when it achieved 72% and were awarded a Silver BenchmarQ award.

Tom Semple Business Development Director writes:

Comments from those who took part:

"Would you recommend IJSC to others?"

• "Yes and I have done." (British Energy)

• "Yes, certainly." (Sellafield)

"Do you have any additional comments regarding IJSC Staff?"

• "They are very reliable and efficient, they work quickly and deliver a good output." (Anonymous Customer 3)

• "The high scoring I've given them says it all." (Nuvia)

• "They are great people to work with." (Steels)

Jim Grace (Operations Director) has recently been made a Chartered Engineer and awarded a Fellowship from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). Both awards have come following an assessment process that was initiated in 2006 when Jim initially became an Incorporated Engineer and Member of the Institution.

The assessment process has been a unique one as Jim has become the first member of the institute to have completed a Professional Review Report, Career Development Learning and undergone a combined Chartership and Fellow assessment interview. This has all been made possible with support from the Institution and fellow Member Auditor David Eaton. Jim also wished to extend his thanks to Bob Nash who supported his application for Fellow and to Jane Noakes within PPMRG.

Jim said "It has always been a personal goal to achieve the awards ever since I started my career nearly 20 years ago. I'm delighted with the decision of the Professional Review Committee and hope that I can spur on others within the organisation to further their development".

The personal commitment shown is a real sign of the culture within the organisation to develop individuals both personally and professionally and that this is driven right from the top of the organisation down to the new graduates within the team. If anyone would like further information regarding membership to the IMechE please do not hesitate to contact Jim Grace on 0161 237 6830 or info@ijsc.co.uk.