David Rosie was awarded Volunteer of the Week for his active and continued support of the Institute. David has been actively involved in the creation of the Register of Food Safety Professionals. He has/continues to serve on a number of Committees and is also an active member of the South East Branch. He was elected as an Honorary Fellow in 2013.
You've been a member since the early 70s, how valuable has membership been?
I was persuaded to join the South Eastern Branch Committee by the late Sidney Landsman, who was then Chairman of the Committee. I soon enjoyed the exchange of information between the experienced members who made me feel very welcome as ‘the new blood’ and being actively involved as a volunteer in these early days, started off my life as a professional food scientist. IFST membership over the years, has been invaluable in my professional development and has enabled me to build up many fine contacts and friends. In addition, being actively involved in Institute affairs, has enhanced my organisational skills and given me lots of enjoyment.
How does it feel to have been recognised as ‘Volunteer of the Week’?
Very honoured, but I know there are many other worthy volunteers working for the Institute.
You are an active member of the South Eastern Branch, tell us a little more.
The South Eastern Branch, has the largest numbers of Institute members and is one of the most active. Being on the Committee enables participation in the organisation of many varied events (eg industrial visits, student meetings, seminars and lectures) across a large geographical area. I’ve been a member of the Committee for over 40 years and have been Hon. Secretary, Chair, and Hon. Treasurer during that time. It has been fun and as an ‘old blood’ now, I want to instil in younger members, the satisfaction and professional benefit one can get by being actively involved.
You led the Food Safety Working Group which ultimately enabled the launch of the register at the House of Lords Reception on 02 July, Tell us more about the Food Safety Register.
The Register offers the opportunity for all those working at all levels within the food production and enforcement environment, from senior management to production technicians to be recognised professionally for the work they do in setting standards, implementing and maintaining the safety, traceability and integrity of food available to the general public. It is a major step forward in recognition of professional competence in all topics related to food safety
Why should members join the Food Safety Register?
The UK food industry is one of the safest in the world and this Register enables all those behind the scenes to be independently recognised and rewarded as being an integral part of that profession. That in itself provides individual motivation and clarity of requirements for career progression. Having the letters of recognition after ones name also provides a reference point on which others may judge your experience and competence.
When we last interviewed you, you told us that you’d completed several long distance pathways, any recent walking adventures?
Since the last ‘report’, I’ve completed ‘The North Norfolk Coastal Path’, celebrated with my brother who was completing his ‘last Munro’ by climbing Schiehallion and tested the dodgy left knee by climbing ‘The Old Man of Coniston’. My wife has now commanded that it’s low level walks from now on and the Thames Path seems a likely venture in the future.
