International Work Monitoring and Coordination team

We coordinate BGS scientists and field staff to fulfil a wide range of international activities, along with independent experts, commercial consultants, universities and private sector organisations that can provide additional specialist skills.

Projects range from short-term expert consultancies to work lasting several years.


Mr Richard Ellison, Head International Coordinator
Tel +44 (0)115 936 3177  |  Fax +44 (0)115 936 3474  |  Email
Photograph of Richard Ellison Richard joined the BGS immediately after graduating in Geology at Southampton University in 1972. From that time until 2006 he has worked widely in the UK, Peru, Hong Kong, and most recently the United Arab Emirates. His particular areas of expertise include mapping, stratigraphical and structural analysis, and work on sedimentary sequences, volcanic terranes and Quaternary processes. Richard has significant experience in urban geology and was Regional Geologist for the London mapping project (1992–99) and subsequently manager of the BGS Urban Geoscience sub-programme and Regional Geologist for South-West England (1999–2006). From 1994 to 1998 he was also UK Representative on the UN ESCAP Forum for Urban Geology in Asia and the Pacific. He joined BGS International as a Regional Manager in April 2006 and is currently managing BGS's work in the UAE.
Mrs Susan Furness, International Work Liaison Manager
Tel +44 (0)115 936 3233  |  Fax +44 (0)115 936 3474  |  Email
Photograph of Mrs Susan Furness Sue has worked within the Natural Environment Research Council (of which the BGS is a component Research Centre) since 1986 when she joined as a data officer to become an Oracle Data Base Administrator. In 1989 Sue moved from Information Management to Finance and Administration, dealing with research grants and training awards. During her years with NERC from 1989 to 2001 she remained in this area of work undertaking a variety of management and finance roles which involved visiting universities across the UK to discuss the financing of research grants. In 2000 Sue gained a Postgraduate Diploma in Management at the University of South West of England, Bristol. In 2001 she joined BGS International and currently manages and facilitates all major international tenders and contracts working in concert with Regional Managers.
Mr David Bate, International Work Development Support
Tel +44 (0)115 936 3491  |  Fax +44 (0)115 936 3474  |  Email
Photograph of Mr David Bate David has worked with the BGS for 37 years, largely in an information capacity. As unofficial BGS historian he is never happier than when delving into dusty old books or leafing through archival papers documenting some 175 years of BGS history. He began his career in the Library in 1971 when it was located at the Geological Museum in London. In 1980 he moved to the Mineral Intelligence Unit where he worked on the Mineral Index, a bibliographic database begun in 1918 and containing some 400 000 references on worldwide economic geology. This was followed by stints with the National Geoscience Records Centre, the Mineral Statistics Section (extracting data on worldwide mineral production), and providing secretarial support to the BGS Directorate. He has worked for BGS International since 1998 and is currently responsible for documenting BGS international activity and working on bid proposals.
Mrs Wendy Masterson, International Work Administrative Officer
Tel +44 (0)115 936 3181  |  Fax +44 (0)115 936 3474  |   Email
Photograph of Mrs Wendy Masterson Wendy joined the BGS in January 2004. She provides the essential administrative support that enables the coordinating activities of the International Work Monitoring and Coordination team to run smoothly. Wendy thus assists in collating bids and expressions of interest for externally funded overseas projects, undertakes various IT-related tasks including some data inputting in support of regional geochemical reconnaissance programmes, manages the overseas equipment store, and provides a point of contact for staff operating overseas.