Simon Dawson was awarded Volunteer of the Week for his continued and recent support for IFST, Simon provided support for the upcoming House of Lords reception and has gone to great lengths to become and active volunteer, writing articles for the next edition of iConsult and leading a recent IFST event at Cardiff Metropolitan University.
You’ve been a member since 2011, how valuable has IFST membership been?
When I originally joined IFST, I was a little sceptical as to what they do and how they could help me, however I look back over the last 3 years and could categorically state that without them I would not be where I am today. If I could rank their importance in order I would say:
1. Knowledge building and sharing
2. IFST led conferences
3. Networking
4. Membership forums/ advice
5. Building personal profile
How does it feel to have been recognised as ‘Volunteer of the Week’?
Fantastic! The breadth of information available and friendly team work approach the IFST offers makes me want to continue to support and help them.
You are an active member of the Western Branch, tell us a little more.
I regularly attend the branch meetings – generally on a monthly basis – and help plan the annual events our Branch hosts, which generally include conferences on food safety, auditing and compliance, and Christmas lectures on specific food products, for example the origins of the Christmas Pudding and gin distillation techniques. It has been a great way to share ideas and information between very knowledgeable, experienced individuals, which has helped a lot within my current role.
When we last interviewed you, you were a Technical Manager, you’ve since had a change of career and are now a full time lecturer at Cardiff Metropolitan University, what do you most enjoy about the role?
I love learning, sharing knowledge and offering advice in food science from all aspects of the industry. Working within Cardiff Met allows me to do this through having such a diverse role. One day I might be teaching students about food security, the next might be assisting an SME on allergen management, the next might be summarising available documentation on food safety with the immunocompromised for a cancer charity, it really is that diverse.
Have you got any advice for someone just about to start their career in the food industry?
The food industry is challenging and can be quite stressful at times however is highly rewarding, always fascinating, and offers such a variety of opportunities to keep you wanting more. You have the ability to remain stationary or travel extensively around the world and I have not seen any other discipline that can offer such a variety in job opportunities.
Tell us something about yourself that most people wouldn’t know.
I like taking part in endurance events, last year for example I completed the South West Tough Mudder, of which I have signed up to do again this year. I have also applied for the Cardiff Half Marathon in October.
