Derek Ainscough

Background

About Derek Ainscough

I have spent over 30 years with RF Industries. Starting in 1982 as rigging manager. This quickly grew to become an enterprise with two teams of riggers full time, installing towers and antennas for radio communications systems. In 1992 I took on the role of Quality manager and successfully achieved certification to AS 3901 for the company.(Now 9001) In 1996 I moved to Melbourne where in addition to my Quality role I took over as branch manager of the antenna manufacturing facility, my first job being to relocate the manufacturing facility to a larger premises. During my time as Quality Manager/Branch Manager, achieved certification to and then TS16949 the Automotive Quality Standard Moving back to Sydney in I took on the role as National Operations Manager, while keeping my QA role, focusing on inventory control, warehouse management and supplier development. In 2001 I took on a more product focused role, utilizing my antenna and cabling experience I accepted a position of Business Development manager for the Cable and connector business. Taking leave for the summer of 2002-3 I secured a position with the National Antarctic Division as a Communications Rigger working on Mawson Station. In 2004 (with my QA hat on) I set the wheels in motion to lead RFI to certification to AS/NZS 14001 - the international environmental standard, achieving multi-site certification for the manufacturing and distribution sites just 12 month later. A year later I convinced senior management to introduce a comprehensive Occupational Health and Safety Management system. The system achieved certification in 2007 and now covers all RFI sites in Australia. At present I am the National Compliance Manager for RFI, advising, mentoring and training managers and staff across the three areas of Quality, Safety and Environment. I am currently a volunteer at my local SES unit of Canada Bay having recently completed training in Storm Damage, Rescue and First Aid.