3rd August 2007
The Royal Society for the Promotion of Health has capped a ‘year of notable success’ by recognising the innovative work of the environmental health profession.
The 131st AGM and awards ceremony was held on 18 July at Selfridge’s Hotel in London and featured an ‘unprecedented line-up’ of speakers including Sir Liam Donaldson, chief medical officer for England. Ian Gray, CIEH policy officer, picked up the President’s Award for his work in supporting the ban on smoking in public places in England in what is considered a prestigious event for the public health community.
Mr Gray was presented with his award by Andrew Banfield, former president of the CIEH and outgoing president of the RSPH. Mr Banfield was also honoured by his investiture as vice-president emeritus, and will continue to work on behalf of the organisation.
Mr Banfield said of Mr Gray: ‘The society has been a leading advocate in the movement to ban smoking in public places for many years. His hard work, active lobbying and sheer enthusiasm have added much to the campaign. He is a worthy winner.’
Honorary fellowships were awarded to Professor Sir David King, chief scientific adviser to the government, and president of the Faculty of Public Health and EHN columnist Dr Alan Maryon Davis.
The AGM is likely to be the last in its current form as the RSPH intends to merge with the Royal Institute for Public Health to create a single organisation.