Charlie graduated from Leeds University and obtained his PhD in 1998. He has since carried out research and development and has worked for explosion protection firms in the UK and the USA. He has contributed articles to periodicals and reference works, including sections on gas and dust explosions, explosion venting and suppression. He has lectured at a number of venues and to a range of audiences, including academic conferences and industrial forums. He currently lectures on fire and explosion courses held annually at Leeds University. 

Charlie joined Burgoynes in 2002.  During his time with Burgoynes he has undertaken over 400 investigations into fires and explosions, which are his principal areas of work. Incidents investigated have ranged from minor fires involving domestic appliances to large scale industrial facilities.

Charlie has been involved in numerous marine investigations including fires on container vessels, bulk carriers general cargo vessels, and Ro-Ro ferries.  These fires have occurred in engine rooms, cargo tanks and holds and in containers.