TECHNICAL PROFILE

Christopher McManus

Technical Officer – commercial, environmental protection, Sefton MBC

Where do you work and what do you do?
I work for Sefton MBC based in Bootle, Liverpool where I am employed as a technical officer. We undertake food hygiene inspections (A-E), foodstandards inspections, infectious disease investigations, H&S inspections, public health complaints in commercial premises.

What attracted you to working in environmental health?
I was working in the building control section of the council and a friend who worked in the environmental protection department pointed it out to me. She knew that part of my degree in biochemistry involved the study of human nutrition, and I had four years experience working in the catering industry, so these skills have been useful in adapting to this role.

What is the biggest challenge in your job?
Overcoming language barriers

 What do you like most about your job?
Seeing improvements made in problem/difficult businesses.

 What do you like the least?
The perception businesses have of Officers as the evil food police.

 What single legislative change would make your job easier?
The licensing of food businesses.

 What change would most benefit the environmental health profession?
A less rigid structure to the existing technician/EHO hierarchy, with the possibility of conversion based upon experience gained within the profession.

 Would there be any benefit to you in being an EHO/EHP?
More money, better status, essential car user allowance and a car parking space at the office.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Parkour (freerunning), gymnastics, running, playing guitar.