Online Surveyor Training – Timber & Dampness in Buildings

Gervais has been working with wood since leaving school. After 15 years in industry, both hardwoods, panels and softwoods, he found his main interest in wood preservation and was works manager for a manufacturer of telegraph poles and railway sleepers. He then went to Bucks New University as lecturer in wood technology and also delivered training for the property care industry.

Work at the university evolved into research and consultancy in all aspects of wood science. For the last ten years he has been busy in consultancy and is editor of the ‘International Wood Products Journal’. He is a fellow of the Institute of Materials and a member of the International Research Group on Wood Protection.

Peter joined the Property Care Association as Technical Manager in April 2018.

His research interests took him into the construction chemicals industry where he spent 20 years as Technical Manager/Director. About 12 years ago, his particular interest in wood preservation lead him to join BASF, then Rütgers Organics GmbH, giving him a broader insight into European biocide markets.

Today, Peter represents the PCA on all matters relating to invasive weed control but also delivers our training for the recently developed Biocides competence certificate for technicians (timber protection).

Neil started his working career as an apprentice bricklayer with one of the major construction companies in the north-east of England. Having developed a flavour for college life Neil carried on with his studies upon completion of his apprenticeship and achieved an HND in building technology after studying for three years at night school (four nights a week). He then joined national preservation company as a surveyor and after two years with the company, he decided to venture out on his own and set up his own preservation company based on the north-east of England which he ran successfully for 27 years.

Neil changed career path in 2015 and set up his practice as the first ‘Independent Damp and Timber survey’ in the North East of England. In the same year, he took up the role as the lead trainer for the Property Care Association ‘Specialist Apprenticeship Scheme’ and now has various roles within the PCA including lead tutor on for the PCA Technicians Training Course, Tutor for the PCA Surveyors Training Course, Lead Tutor on the Structural waterproofing apprenticeship as well as acting as a Regional Support Officer for the PCA.

Paula joined the PCA team in December 2017 as KTP Associate for the Residential Atmospheric Moisture Diagnostics project, which was part of a joint initiative between UCL (University Collage of London) and the PCA.

Paula has a PhD in Geology in 2004 from ‘Complutense University of Madrid’ (Spain) and has participated in a wide range of international research projects with many universities in Europe, UK, Australia and America. Paula has also participated in research projects with private companies on architectural heritage conservation and restoration for more than 17 years, with expertise on moisture monitoring studies in the built environment. Projects have included diagnosis of physico-chemical weathering processes of building materials, treatment of rising damp, moisture and salt decay, influence of environmental conditions and preservation strategies to avoid salt crystallisation, decay of historic buildings due to effect of microclimate induced variations, desalination methods for conservation and durability of building materials.

Johns main interest at school was always woodwork which led him to train as a secondary school craft teacher. Having achieved a Bachelor of Education with honours he subsequently taught woodwork for a number of years in schools.

A move to Lincolnshire in the mid 80’s also prompted a change of job where he trained to become a specialist surveyor of dampness and timber decay and infestation in buildings. John achieved the industry CSRT and CSSW qualifications and also a Diploma in Building Surveying from the College of Estate Management in Reading.

Having practised surveying for nearly 15 years John went back into teaching and became the national technical and training manager for a large preservation company where he tutored both surveyors and technicians. In particular he was responsible for assisting surveyors in gaining their CSRT (now CSTDB) qualification.

For the last 5 years John has worked as an independent freelance trainer with clients including the PCA, housing associations and private companies.

James joined the PCA team as Technical Manager in 2016. James is a graduate of the University of Plymouth, where he achieved a BSc (Hons) in Applied Geology. Since graduating, he has worked in the property services industry, and more recently as a surveyor for a national preservation company. He holds both the CSRT and CSSW accreditations. He is the lead on the new Residential Ventilation Group sector of the PCA and is hugely passionate about the need for improving standards of ventilation in the existing UK housing stock.

Stephen joined the Trade Association as a technical specialist in 2000 after 13 years working as a surveyor and manager in the preservation industry. He has been Chief Executive Officer of the Property Care Association since October 2012. Stephen is passionate about the industry in which he is proud to serve and is committed to delivering the highest possible standards of service and workmanship to consumers as well as first rate representation and value for money to members of the Property Care Association. Stephen works hard to maintain strong links with organisations including RICS, the Council of Mortgage Lenders, TrustMark, STBA, BRE, National Flood Forum and the newly launched UKCMIB.