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GM & biological risk assessment
Specialist support for contained-use risk assessment, classification, notification and committee review.
Explore this serviceIndependent biosafety expertise
Clarity for complex biological risk.
Pragmatic biosafety and genetic modification advice from a former HSE Principal Specialist Inspector—helping your people work safely, confidently and compliantly.
EXPERIENCE ACROSSGovernmentAcademiaHealthcareIndustry
How GMBSC can help
Expert input, exactly
where you need it.
Discrete support, a call-off arrangement or retained expertise—shaped around your work, your people and the outcome you need.
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Regulatory advice
Prepare for HSE visits, respond confidently to enforcement action and understand what good compliance looks like.
Explore this service03
Inspection & audit
Targeted reviews of containment laboratories and associated processes, with clear, practical recommendations.
Explore this service04
Laboratory design
An independent expert view for containment laboratory design, commissioning, operation and management.
Explore this serviceAlso supporting
Incident investigationSafe handling of biological agentsCoaching & mentoringGeneral health & safety
4sectors of
lab experience
lab experience
Meet your expert
Experience from every side of the laboratory door.
Dr Jon Gawn brings an unusually broad view of biological safety: regulator, University Biological Safety Officer and research scientist.
His work spans government, academic, healthcare and industrial containment laboratories. He is a former Chair of the Executive Committee for ISTR and a Fellow of the Institute.
- Former HSE Principal Specialist Inspector of Biological Agents
- Former University Biological Safety Officer
- Qualified coach and mentor
Training & development
Learning that sticks
beyond the session.
Engaging, practical learning built from GMBSC’s existing catalogue or tailored to your organisation.
GM Risk Assessment, Classification & Notification
Build confidence in assessing GM work and navigating the contained-use notification process.
Researchers · BSOs · GM committeesReviewing GM Risk Assessments
A focused programme for Biological Safety Officers and GM Safety Committee members.
BSOs · Committee membersWider BSO Skills
Practical development in investigation, monitoring, advising management and delivering briefings.
New and developing BSOsBiosafety Competence Management
A tailored course on building, evaluating and sustaining biosafety competence across your organisation.
Safety leaders · Lab managersNeed an answer quickly?
Book Jon for a focused advice call.
Bring one biosafety question, risk assessment or regulatory concern. Leave with a clearer route forward.
ONE-TO-ONE VIDEO CALL
Quick advice session
For emergencies or complex matters, call +44 (0)7368 965308.
Put your judgement to the test
The Containment Challenge
A small taste of GMBSC’s coaching-led approach: make a choice, understand why and improve the next decision.
Interactive challenge
Could you spot the safer decision?
Four quick biosafety scenarios. Make the call, learn the reasoning and earn your place on the board.
Educational only — not a substitute for a site-specific risk assessment.Trusted perspective
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His in-depth knowledge of biological safety, legislative compliance and genetic modification, coupled with his calm and patient manner, helped to resolve several issues.
Dr Tanya AspinallSafety Risk and Compliance Manager
Manchester Institute of Biotechnology
Manchester Institute of Biotechnology
Calmunder pressurePragmaticin approachEngagingas a trainer
Ideas from the field
Follow Jon’s latest biosafety thinking.
Short observations, regulatory context and practical lessons for people responsible for biological safety.
Find Jon on LinkedIn