Paul graduated in Physics in 1985 from the City of London Polytechnic, and went on to complete an MSc in Radiation and Environmental Protection (1986), followed by a PhD at the University of Surrey. The subject of his thesis was the development of room-temperature operated semi-conductor radiation detectors.

His working career began in 1990 when he secured a post as a health physicist with Nuclear Installations Services. In 1991, he joined the National Nuclear Corporation as a Radiation Protection Analyst providing support to civil nuclear power stations. Paul then spent five years working as a Consultant with the Radiation Physics and Shielding Group at Rolls-Royce and Associates. Paul spent twelve years working at Devonport Royal Dockyard in Plymouth, and only recently took up a new appointment with Frazer-Nash Consultancy where he has been appointed as their Radiation Protection Adviser.

During his time at Devonport, Paul was the manager of Babcock Marine's Radiological Safety Support Group. Paul is a highly skilled and experienced Safety Case Project Manager, specialising in radiation protection, radioactive waste management and safety case development. Through his work, he helps design and deliver improvements in radiation safety and protection and for the benefit of on-site workers and the public.

Dr Paul Jarvis is awarded the Founder's Medal in acknowledgement of his outstanding contribution to the work of the Society in delivering its objectives, particularly in the field of promoting and encouraging education and learning and advances in radiation safety. Paul took the lead role in setting up the South West Regional Group of SRP, which has since become a key player in the annual meeting programme of the Society. His interest and enthusiasm in setting up and chairing this group from its inception in 2002, to when he handed over the role to a member of his staff in 2008, has been notable. The South West Regional Group has presented a number of key educational meetings, including meetings on risk assessment and the requirements of regulatory changes. The group has also actively encouraged networking, hence encouraging communication, knowledge sharing and dissemination. Through the activities of the South West Regional Group, training and scientific learning in radiation protection has been promulgated and contributions of invited and proffered papers and posters has encouraged greater involvement of others in the field.

Not only has Paul been involved with the South West Regional Group, but he has also served as a member on SRP Council, and secretary of the Events Committee until Summer 2009. Paul is currently a member of the Web Site Working Group, that has worked hard to develop the recently launched "new look" web site of the Society.

Through these many roles, he has made a substantial contribution to communication and education in the field of radiation protection, and has actively contributed to advances in radiation safety, to benefit not only on site staff but also for the benefit of the public, such that his work merits acknowledgement through award of the Founder's Medal in 2010.

Cathy Griffiths OBE
4 April 2010