Mark Bosence: The Whistleblower Behind Corby’s Toxic Town and His Remarkable Engineering Career
Mark Bosence is a distinguished figure in the UK civil engineering sector, widely recognised for his pivotal role in exposing one of the most notorious environmental scandals in British history — the Corby toxic waste case. His courage as a whistleblower not only shed light on the devastating impact of toxic waste mismanagement in Corby but also set a precedent for environmental accountability and public safety. Beyond this, Bosence’s extensive career spanning over 40 years reflects a commitment to excellence in civil engineering and infrastructure development. This article explores the life, education, career, and legacy of Mark Bosence, with a particular focus on his connection to the Corby toxic waste scandal and his depiction in the Netflix series Toxic Town.
Early Life and Education
Mark Bosence graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Northampton between 1987 and 1990. His academic background laid a solid foundation for a career dedicated to engineering, environmental management, and infrastructure development. The University of Northampton, known for its strong engineering programmes, equipped Bosence with the technical knowledge and problem-solving skills that would become central to his professional journey.
Professional Career Overview
Bosence’s career has been diverse and expansive, encompassing roles in both the public and private sectors. With over four decades of experience, he has worked for various UK government bodies, including Highways England (previously known as Highways Agency), English Partnerships, East Midlands Development Agency (EMDA), local authorities, and consulting firms such as URS Corporation and WSP.
He has managed complex civil engineering projects ranging from brownfield land reclamation and trunk road maintenance to regeneration schemes and infrastructure improvements. His expertise extends to contract preparation, procurement, project management, and overseeing engineering, environmental, and geotechnical consultancy services. Bosence is also highly skilled in risk management, health and safety (including CDM responsibilities), and stakeholder relationship management, with several professional registrations, including Chartered Institute of Highways and Transportation (CMIHT) and Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).
Key Career Highlights
-
Highways England (2017 – Present): Serving as Head of Utilities Relationships and Design and Production Programme Manager, Bosence leads initiatives to improve productivity and efficiencies within regional investment programmes, ensuring high-quality service delivery.
-
MB Technical Solutions Ltd (2014 – Present): As a director, he offers strategic consultancy, particularly focusing on highways maintenance and major road projects like the A421 dualling scheme.
-
WSP CEL (2001 – 2014): Led design teams managing large-scale highways maintenance contracts, delivering multimillion-pound projects including road safety upgrades and complex embankment repairs.
-
URS Corporation (2001 – 2008): Managed design teams and implemented project management systems for major joint ventures with the Highways Agency, ensuring commercial and technical success.
-
East Midlands Development Agency (2000 – 2001): Acted as Risk Manager overseeing significant regeneration and land reclamation projects, including the redevelopment of Mansfield town centre.
-
English Partnerships (1997 – 2000): Managed regeneration projects involving the demolition and decommissioning of industrial plants on former British Steel land in Corby.
Mark Bosence and the Corby Toxic Waste Scandal
Background of the Corby Case
Corby, a town in Northamptonshire, experienced a significant environmental and public health crisis in the late 20th century. The closure of the steelworks and subsequent redevelopment involved handling contaminated brownfield sites laden with toxic waste, including cadmium and other heavy metals. Mismanagement and improper disposal of hazardous materials led to widespread contamination, causing an unusually high incidence of birth defects and illnesses among residents.
Bosence’s Role as a Whistleblower
During his tenure at Corby Borough Council from 1990 to around 2000, Mark Bosence was employed as a technical official responsible for overseeing environmental safety and engineering projects related to the town’s redevelopment. Bosence became deeply concerned about the council’s handling of toxic waste sites and repeatedly raised safety concerns internally.
When his warnings were ignored, and after facing resistance from his employers, Bosence took the courageous step to disclose critical information to a local Labour councillor, Sam Hagen, in 1993. His whistleblowing efforts involved leaking documents and providing evidence that exposed how the council had failed to manage toxic waste properly, endangering the community’s health.
Legal and Social Impact
The revelations led to a landmark High Court ruling in 2009, which found a causal link between the toxic waste exposure and birth defects suffered by children in Corby. Although the council denied liability, a settlement of £14.6 million was awarded to 19 affected families in 2010, marking a significant victory for environmental justice.
Bosence’s bravery played a fundamental role in the case, highlighting the importance of individual accountability and whistleblowing in safeguarding public health. His actions brought national attention to environmental negligence and the risks posed by inadequate oversight during industrial site redevelopment.
Portrayal in Toxic Town
Mark Bosence’s story has been dramatized in the 2023 Netflix series Toxic Town, where his character is represented as “Ted Jenkins,” played by Stephen McMillan. The series chronicles the unfolding of the Corby toxic waste scandal through the eyes of the whistleblower and affected community members. While the character is fictionalized, it faithfully captures Bosence’s dedication and the challenges he faced, raising awareness about the real-life consequences of environmental mismanagement.
Professional Expertise and Skills
Mark Bosence’s extensive career showcases a broad skill set relevant to civil engineering, project management, and environmental health:
-
Expertise in managing multi-client partnerships within government and private sectors.
-
Strong leadership in engineering design teams and infrastructure maintenance programmes.
-
Proficient in contract management, risk mitigation, and health and safety compliance.
-
Experience in brownfield land reclamation, regeneration schemes, and developer works under Section 278.
-
Ability to build trust and manage complex relationships among clients, consultants, contractors, and stakeholders.
-
Holds several professional memberships and accreditations reflecting his commitment to industry standards.
Legacy and Continuing Influence
Mark Bosence’s impact extends beyond his technical contributions to civil engineering. His role as a whistleblower in the Corby toxic waste scandal stands as a testament to ethical responsibility and environmental stewardship. The case serves as a cautionary tale for authorities and developers, underscoring the need for transparency, rigorous safety protocols, and community engagement when dealing with hazardous sites.
Through his ongoing work at Highways England and as a director at MB Technical Solutions Ltd, Bosence continues to influence UK infrastructure development, prioritising safety, sustainability, and efficiency.
Conclusion
Mark Bosence exemplifies a rare combination of technical expertise and moral courage. His education at the University of Northampton paved the way for a distinguished engineering career, while his whistleblowing in Corby demonstrated a profound commitment to public welfare. The legacy of his actions continues to resonate through environmental policy, legal precedent, and popular culture, notably via the Netflix series Toxic Town.
As the UK addresses ever more complex infrastructure and environmental challenges, professionals like Mark Bosence remind us of the critical role of integrity and accountability in building a safer, healthier future for communities.
