About

janetbainbridgeJanet has a unique portfolio of experience, having successfully delivered for academia, industry, charities and the public sector. She is renowned for excellence in delivery, an approachable manner and is a respected team builder.

 

She started her career as a research microbiologist at J Sainsbury and introduced the ‘use by-sell by’ system. As an academic she successfully led a large faculty, increasing student numbers by 250% and reducing cost-base by introducing service level agreements and novel delivery methods; all with very positive feedback from the end users (students and staff).

She wrote the second level genetics course for the Open University as well as developed new curricula, introducing biochemical engineering to the Chemical engineers. She negotiated contracts for overseas students from Singapore, Qatar and Saudi Arabia and worked with many businesses; setting up the Teesside Food Technology Centre that worked with 200 SME’s across the food chain.

Her services to Science and Technology Education were recognised by a OBE in 2000.

Whilst in academia, Janet was seconded to the regional development agency One NorthEast. At One NorthEast she developed science policy for the region and set up the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) and the Centre for Life. She represented One NorthEast in Brussels to advise the EU’s Directorate General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD).

She was a member of the EPSRC Council (working with BBSRC at the life sciences interface); a founder member and trustee of the charity Sense About Science; Deputy Chair of the Governing body of a local collage (overseeing an amalgamation) and member of the North East Science and Industry Council. She has been a member of many external research committees and evaluation panels in the UK and EU.

Following her academic career she became CEO of EPICC supporting the local Chemicals Industry, eventually becoming the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI).

She was then asked to join UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) as a contracted investment specialist in life sciences; working with multi-nationals in medical devices, diet and health. Another contract in the chemicals sector followed through recognition for her strategic ability and networks led to a role to set up the food and drink sector group.

From there Ministers invited her to join the UK Agricultural Strategy writing team, which was published in 2013 and Janet was asked to set up and lead the agri-tech organisation (ATO).

Janet has worked on many very successful investments and was the top specialist by results (of a team of 60) for 3 successive years, generating significant income for the UK.

Current appointments

  • Chair N8 universities, agri-food initiative external advisory Board
  • Board Member Stockbridge Technology College
  • Member Synthetic Biology Leadership Council SBLC
  • Member of SBLC Governance Sub-group
  • Board Member Grantham Institute University of Sheffield
  • Member and Deputy Chair FSA General Advisory Committee Science (GACS).

Regulatory advice

The list of activities and current membership of the Synthetic Biology Leadership Council evidences Janet’s significant regulatory experience, including:

Committees chaired & select committees etc:

  • CHAIR ACNFP (Advisory Committee on Novel foods and Processes ), 8 year term
  • MEMBER ACRE (Advisory Committee for Release to the Environment)
  • MHRA Medical Devices Committee, 4 year term.

Four select committee appearances etc:

This work was very high profile and I was fully media trained. Notable novel food introductions during her tenure were phyto-sterols and phytostanols.

Other former high level committees:

  • Founder member Agricultural and Horticulture Development Board  (AHDB)
  • Member British Potato Council Board and Chair R&D Committee
  • BBSRC Strategic Agricultural Panel.

Consultancy and corporate development

In my various roles I have worked successfully with both UK and overseas owned companies and have many endorsements. Clients I have worked with include: Syngenta, Bayer, BASF, DuPont, Monsanto, GSK, Pfizer, Zoetis, Elanco, P&G, Mondalez, Mars, Mars Synbiosciences, TATA, J. Sainsbury and many others.

Contacts within embassies, consulates, trade bodies around the world. I have specific experience in markets in USA, South Africa, India and Singapore.

Public speaking

All businesses need a clear CSR policy and I have both experience in helping companies develop their CSR strategy and also in communications. Throughout my career I have been very keen to engage in public dialogue and I am renowned for my ability to reach out and explain complex concepts in a non-threatening and calm way. For example, the University of Cambridge invited me to tour India for 3 weeks during that time I spoke 3 times daily my talks received  international acclaim.