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Richard Voke

Richard is a partner specialist in Risk and Regulation, with longstanding experience in environmental law defence work, which he has practiced for 20 years. Richard’s clients appreciate his tactical and pragmatic approach, augmented by time spent in industry and his environmental science background. Richard has a Master’s degree in Environmental Toxicology and, prior to qualifying as a lawyer, spent a number of years with the HSE as a specialist in environmental major hazard legislation in the Hazardous Installations Division, where he prosecuted his own cases. He also spent two years as a risk management consultant, most notably leading a World Bank project on environmental catastrophe prevention in West Africa, and developing environmental and health and safety protocols for energy companies in the Sahara. Richard advises and defends organisations in their dealings with the Environment Agency, HSE, Local Authorities and other government regulators. Expertise: Interpretation and advice on regulatory legislation (environment, health and safety, food, fire, security, planning, trading standards, bribery etc) Specific major hazard industry regulatory representation in UK (COMAH and abroad) Regulatory litigation – defending criminal cases brought by HSE/EA/EHOs, etc Directors, senior officer and shareholder risk/liability management from threats such as corporate manslaughter, bribery and environmental law Inquest representation for organisations and individuals Liability on internal and external security issues Contractor control and risk limitation Environmental, health and safety accident/incident investigation leadership Regulatory risk and liability management systems such as ISO 14001, 18001/45001, etc Mediation of commercial disputes · Acuity Law

EnglandEnvironmental, Regulatory & Compliance

About

Richard Voke is a partner specialist in Risk and Regulation at Acuity Law with 20 years' experience in environmental law defence. He holds a Master's degree in Environmental Toxicology, previously worked for the HSE in the Hazardous Installations Division prosecuting cases, and spent time as a risk management consultant (including leading a World Bank project); he advises and defends organisations before the Environment Agency, HSE, local authorities and other regulators.

Practice areas

EnvironmentalRegulatory & ComplianceHealth & SafetyPlanningLitigationRisk ManagementCorporate Governance & ComplianceDispute Resolution

Office

England

Acuity Law · Richard is a partner specialist in Risk and Regulation, with longstanding experience in environmental law defence work, which he has practiced for 20 years. Richard’s clients appreciate his tactical and pragmatic approach, augmented by time spent in industry and his environmental science background. Richard has a Master’s degree in Environmental Toxicology and, prior to qualifying as a lawyer, spent a number of years with the HSE as a specialist in environmental major hazard legislation in the Hazardous Installations Division, where he prosecuted his own cases. He also spent two years as a risk management consultant, most notably leading a World Bank project on environmental catastrophe prevention in West Africa, and developing environmental and health and safety protocols for energy companies in the Sahara. Richard advises and defends organisations in their dealings with the Environment Agency, HSE, Local Authorities and other government regulators. Expertise: Interpretation and advice on regulatory legislation (environment, health and safety, food, fire, security, planning, trading standards, bribery etc) Specific major hazard industry regulatory representation in UK (COMAH and abroad) Regulatory litigation – defending criminal cases brought by HSE/EA/EHOs, etc Directors, senior officer and shareholder risk/liability management from threats such as corporate manslaughter, bribery and environmental law Inquest representation for organisations and individuals Liability on internal and external security issues Contractor control and risk limitation Environmental, health and safety accident/incident investigation leadership Regulatory risk and liability management systems such as ISO 14001, 18001/45001, etc Mediation of commercial disputes

England

Expertise

Interpretation and advice on regulatory legislation (environment, health & safety, food, fire, security, planning, trading standards, bribery)Major hazard industry regulatory representation (COMAH and international)Regulatory litigation defending criminal cases brought by HSE/Environment Agency/EHOsDirectors, senior officer and shareholder risk/liability management (including corporate manslaughter and bribery risk)Inquest representation for organisations and individualsLiability for internal and external security issuesContractor control and risk limitationEnvironmental, health & safety accident/incident investigation leadershipRegulatory risk and liability management systems (ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001/ISO 45001)Mediation of commercial disputes

Education

  • Master's degree in Environmental Toxicology