About RP Alba Ltd

Who we are

RP Alba Ltd is an independent radiation protection consultancy based in Scotland, supporting organisations across the UK that use ionising radiation or radioactive substances as part of their work.

We provide professional Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) and Radioactive Waste Adviser (RWA) services to non-nuclear and nuclear-adjacent sectors, with a particular focus on proportionate, practical regulatory compliance.

RP Alba Ltd works directly with employers, duty holders, radiation protection supervisors and regulators, providing trusted advice grounded in UK legislation, recognised guidance and real-world operational experience.

Our approach

Effective radiation protection relies on duty holders understanding and owning their legal responsibilities.

As appointed advisers, our role is to:

  • provide clear, competent and proportionate RPA and RWA advice;

  • support informed decision-making by employers and senior managers;

  • translate regulatory requirements into workable arrangements;

  • engage constructively with regulators and other professional advisers.

We do not offer a “fully managed” compliance model. Instead, we support organisations to develop and maintain systems that are understood, owned and defensible — an approach aligned with regulatory expectations and good practice.

Professional leadership

RP Alba Ltd is led by Bob Kerr, the company’s Principal Radiation Protection Adviser and Radioactive Waste Adviser.

Bob is an individually certificated and chartered radiation protection professional, appointed directly by clients in accordance with UK legislation. Clients work with the adviser responsible for providing the advice, rather than a pooled consultancy or call-centre model.

While RP Alba Ltd may draw on trusted associate support for specific activities or locations, Bob remains the principal resource and lead adviser for the majority of client appointments.

Professional recognition and competence

Bob Kerr holds the following professional recognitions and certifications:

He is also a member of:

  • Royal Society of Chemistry (MRSC)

  • Safety and Reliability Society (MSaRS)

  • Nuclear Institute (MNucI)

Education and training

Bob’s academic qualifications and professional training include:

  • BSc (Hons) Chemistry with Environmental Chemistry (First Class)
    University of Aberdeen

  • Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Radioactive Waste Management and Decommissioning
    University of Birmingham

  • NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety

  • Auditor training, supporting management system assurance and continual improvement

  • Training and experience relating to ISO 9001 quality management principles and NEC-style contracts

This breadth of scientific, environmental, safety and assurance expertise supports RP Alba Ltd’s work across a wide range of regulated environments.

Regulatory landscape

RP Alba Ltd provides RPA and RWA advice aligned with applicable UK legislation and guidance, including:

  • Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17) and HSE Approved Code of Practice L121

  • Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018 (EASR) and radioactive waste compliance

  • Environmental Permitting Regulations, where applicable

  • REPPIR and associated emergency planning requirements

  • Relevant guidance issued by HSE, SEPA, UKHSA, ONR and the IAEA

We recognise the importance of devolved administration arrangements and tailor advice accordingly.

Who we typically support

RP Alba Ltd supports a wide range of organisations, including:

  • employers using X-ray equipment in industrial, food and drink, security and research settings;

  • organisations managing radioactive sources or radioactive material;

  • employers with elevated workplace radon levels;

  • contractors and service providers working within regulated environments;

  • organisations requiring Radioactive Waste Adviser (RWA) support.

While based in Scotland, we support clients throughout the UK.

Training and capability building

Alongside advisory services, RP Alba Ltd provides both online and in-person radiation protection training, supporting employers in meeting their duties to provide suitable information, instruction and training.

Our online training platform, RadiationTrainingOnline, delivers awareness-level and more in-depth courses, including Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS) training, complemented where appropriate by tailored in-person delivery.

Professional integrity and governance

RP Alba Ltd operates with a strong commitment to professional integrity, transparency and good governance. Our policies and statements describe how we manage quality, information security, ethics, sustainability and business continuity in a manner proportionate to the size and nature of the business.

We aim to be supportive, authoritative and practical, providing advice that stands up to regulatory scrutiny while remaining workable for clients.

Based in Scotland, supporting clients across the UK

RP Alba Ltd is proud to be a Scotland-based radiation protection consultancy, supporting organisations across the UK with independent RPA and RWA services.

Discuss your requirements

If you would like to know anything more about us, or wish to discuss Radiation Protection Adviser or Radioactive Waste Adviser support for your organisation, then please get in touch.

Contact RP Alba Ltd