CIEH Excellence Awards 2026
Celebrate the outstanding achievements, innovation and dedication of environmental health professionals and teams. Share your story and be recognised on a national stage.
CIEH Members' Day
Welcome to our new member event! Join us on Thursday 25 June 2026 for a full day designed around you - our members.
From the CIEH AGM and keynote sessions to practical workshops and bitesize CPD updates, Members' Day is your chance to connect with peers, hear the latest developments, and leave with ideas and tools you can use straight away.
Stay for the finale: the return of the CIEH Excellence Awards, where you can be part of an exciting ceremony and be the first to hear the award winners announced. Even better, enter yourself or your team and potentially be one of those winners! Celebratory drinks and canapés are included in this informal but inspiring evening.
Why attend?
- Connect with your professional community: Whether you’re early in your career or highly experienced, Members' Day offers fresh insight, real-world learning and space to discuss shared challenges with people who understand your work.
- Hear the latest from CIEH: Get updates on priorities, policy and what’s coming next for members.
- Build your CPD: Take part in practical sessions and bitesize learning you can apply immediately.
- Have your say: Join the AGM and help shape the direction of your professional body.
- Take away tools and insight: Leave with new contacts, fresh thinking and useful resources.
- Network throughout the day: Enjoy a complimentary hot lunch and visit our interactive exhibition hall, where you can explore the latest products and services designed to support your role ot team.
- Celebrate the profession: Join us for the CIEH Excellence Awards and take part in an inspiring celebration of the individuals and teams whose work is shaping healthier, safer communities. Enjoy an evening that champions environmental health and raises the profile of the profession
Who can attend?
All our members from across environmental health are welcome and invited to join us for part or all of the day to share ideas, challenges and learn new solutions.
Timings for the day
- AGM: 10.00 - 12.00
- Members’ Day: 12.00 - 16.30
- Awards ceremony: 16.45 - 19.00
CPD: 4 Hours
Key sponsors
Una Kane Msc CMCIEH, Environmental Health Manager, Rother and Wealden District Council. Una Kane is the Environmental Health Manager Rother and Wealden District Council’s food and safety team. Una is a Chartered Environmental Health Practitioner with over thirty-five years’ experience.
In this time Una has seen the food safety regulation regime move from joining of the single market, introduction of the food hygiene rating scheme – which she describes as the “crown jewels” of food hygiene, leaving the EU and regulating outside the EU.
Q: I am a non-member - can I attend?
A: Unfortunately no. This day is just for members of CIEH.
Q: What parts of the day can I attend?
A: You’re welcome to attend any or all of the following:
- AGM: 10.00 - 12.00
- Members’ Day: 12.00 - 16.30
- Awards ceremony: 16.45 - 19.00
Q: Can I join the Members’ Day workshops online?
A: No. Only the AGM will be available to join online. The Members' Day and Awards ceremony are in-person events.
Q: Can I book accommodation?
A: Yes. There are several hotel options available. Please see 15Hatfields nearby accommodation for further details.
Q: Will I receive CPD
A: Yes. CPD is available for the Members’ Day workshops (a total of 4 hours).
Q: What is the dress code?
A: The dress code is smart casual.
Q: Will there be food at the ceremony?
A: Yes. Drinks and canapés will be available during the ceremony.
The CIEH Excellence Awards celebrate the individuals and teams whose work is shaping healthier, safer communities across the country. From innovative projects to impactful leadership and outstanding service, the awards recognise the achievements that make a real difference in environmental health.
Whether you’ve led pioneering work, championed your community or helped your team achieve more together, we want to share your story on a national stage.
Rising Star Award
Carlene Thomas, Setting the Standard (StS) Service Development Manager, West London Alliance (Ealing).
Carlene Thomas is a Chartered Environmental EHP and has been working as a Housing EHP for over 30 years for several London Local Authorities. Carlene currently works for the West London Alliance/Commissioning Alliance, for the Setting the Standard (StS) Inspection Service, as a Service Development Manager.
The StS Inspection Service inspects Privately Rented, Nightly- Paid and Studio Temporary Accommodation Pan London, on behalf of the London Housing Directors. Carlene is also the Chair of the CIEH Housing Coffee and Catch meetings and a CIEH Housing Advisory Panel Member and served as a former CIEH Trustee for 7 years.
Graeme Mitchell, Environmental Health Programme Leader, Liverpool John Moores University.
After qualifying as an Environmental Health Practitioner (EHP) in 1992, I spent the next 15 years working for various Local Authorities across the North West of England. Whilst I was involved in all aspects of Environmental Health, my career had a very public health focus covering areas such as pest control, nuisance, emergency planning and animal welfare.
In 2007, I joined Liverpool John Moores University (LJUM) as the programme leader for their new BSc (Hons) Environmental Health (EH) programme. This programme is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health and is the first step on the journey for those who wish to gain professional registration as an EHP. The programme encompasses all the 5 key areas of EH: food safety, housing, health and safety, environmental protection and public health and I contribute to all these areas. In 2024 I was appointed Associate Dean for Education and Student Experience for the Faculty of Health and in 2025 was won the Outstanding Teacher award from John Moores Student Union.
My research interests have resulted in publications/presentations on a number of topics: food safety; food allergens, risk management; pest control and managing student exceptions. In addition, I have worked on publications with colleagues from across the world on areas such as AI and Environmental Health. Since the start of the Covid -19 pandemic I have been a regular guest on various BBC and local radio stations to discuss the Public Health impacts of Covid-19 and other Environmental/Public Health issues.
In addition to my teaching role at LJMU, I have chaired panels to determine if programmes are suitable to be validated by LJMU, and I am External examiner for two other CIEH accredited universities in the UK. As a previously elected trustee of the CIEH, member of the International Federation of Environmental Health and International member of NEHA, I try to keep abreast of developments in EH, on a global, national and local level.
Outstanding Team Award
Somayya Yaqub, Member, Charted Institute of Environmental Health
Somayya Yaqub is an Environmental Health Practitioner with over 20 years of experience in Enforcement, Environmental Protection, Health and Safety, Housing and Planning.
She has extensive experience of big regeneration projects and risk prevention through design. She has provided evidence at planning inquiries and House of Commons Select Committee.
She is also co-author of the Professional Planning Guidance document to supplement the National Planning Policy framework, and the Heat Pumps Professional Advice Note. A member of the Institute of Acoustics Environmental Noise Committee and a Member of the CIEH Environmental Protection Group and Noise Satellite Panel.
Her interests are focused on the design and construction of homes that protect and support the health and wellbeing of occupants without dependence on air purifiers or mechanical ventilation. The approach includes consideration of soundscape, good acoustic design, and access to green spaces. These homes would be planned in accordance with anticipated climate changes, such as extreme heat and cold, and would utilise renewable energy sources.
Hero Award
Helen Atkinson, Senior Environmental Health Officer, Wakefield Council
Helen Atkinson is a Senior Environmental Health Officer at Wakefield Council and her role is Primary Authority Account Manager, dealing with all Environmental Health issues for Wakefield’s Primary Authority partner businesses including retail, manufacturing, logistics and distribution, hospitality and leisure sectors. She has worked in all areas of environmental health and is a member of the CIEH Food Advisory Panel. Helen started her career in retail management then the logistics/distribution sector before completing the NEBOSH Diploma in 1996 and studying at Salford University to become an EHO.
Leading Innovation Award
Graeme Mitchell, Environmental Health Programme Leader, Liverpool John Moores University.
After qualifying as an Environmental Health Practitioner (EHP) in 1992, I spent the next 15 years working for various Local Authorities across the North West of England. Whilst I was involved in all aspects of Environmental Health, my career had a very public health focus covering areas such as pest control, nuisance, emergency planning and animal welfare.
In 2007, I joined Liverpool John Moores University (LJUM) as the programme leader for their new BSc (Hons) Environmental Health (EH) programme. This programme is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health and is the first step on the journey for those who wish to gain professional registration as an EHP. The programme encompasses all the 5 key areas of EH: food safety, housing, health and safety, environmental protection and public health and I contribute to all these areas. In 2024 I was appointed Associate Dean for Education and Student Experience for the Faculty of Health and in 2025 was won the Outstanding Teacher award from John Moores Student Union.
My research interests have resulted in publications/presentations on a number of topics: food safety; food allergens, risk management; pest control and managing student exceptions. In addition, I have worked on publications with colleagues from across the world on areas such as AI and Environmental Health. Since the start of the Covid -19 pandemic I have been a regular guest on various BBC and local radio stations to discuss the Public Health impacts of Covid-19 and other Environmental/Public Health issues.
In addition to my teaching role at LJMU, I have chaired panels to determine if programmes are suitable to be validated by LJMU, and I am External examiner for two other CIEH accredited universities in the UK. As a previously elected trustee of the CIEH, member of the International Federation of Environmental Health and International member of NEHA, I try to keep abreast of developments in EH, on a global, national and local level.
Mark Elliott, President, CIEH
Mark has previously served as both a Trustee and Chair at CIEH; he has been a member since 1978 and is now retired, with his most recent employment having been as Head of Public Protection at Pembrokeshire County Council. Prior to this, he was an Environmental Health Practitioner at a number of Welsh local authorities. He has also served as Chair of Environmental Health Wales and as a member of OFCOM’s Advisory Committee for Wales.
The CIEH AGM will take place on the morning of Thursday 25 June 2026. Further information, including how to book your place, will be available soon.
Exhibition floor plan
EarthSense - stand 7
EarthSense delivers bespoke solutions that enable the world to visualise and manage its environmental challenges related to air quality. Born from 15 years of research at the University of Leicester, EarthSense has a rich academic heritage specialising in delivering insights into air pollution data, information, and software services; enabling our clients and the wider market to make better, more informed decisions for the betterment of human health.
With over 200 clients across 12 countries EarthSense delivers industry leading solutions to a wide range of clients and markets, including intelligent transport systems, smart cities, local authorities, construction and more. EarthSense delivers a fully integrated technology stack made up its award-winning, certified, indicative ambient air quality monitor, the Zephyr®.
EarthSense delivers a fully integrated technology stack made up of its award-winning, certified, indicative ambient air quality monitor, the Zephyr®. A high-resolution global model of air pollution, MappAir®, that uses advanced dispersion modelling techniques, to create reliable and usable visualisations of air pollution around the world, right down to the street corner. These datasets are then analysed and delivered through MyAir®, a data visualisation application that enables our clients to seamlessly view, analyse and download air quality data, via the desktop or on the go via our mobile app.
Idox - stand 4
Our specialist environmental health solutions power the performance of local government driving productivity and a better experience for everyone.
Built around the user and designed in collaboration with experts who have worked through every detail of every process from end-to-end, our hard-working case management software delivers exceptional functionality and embed workflows that drive efficiency and best practice with a long-term focus for regulated environments.
Through the automation of tasks, simplification of complex operations, scalability as operations evolve, and more effective management of information, we can help you harness the power of digital, so you can do more.
Get in touch to learn more, email [email protected]
Metastreet - stand 1
Built for impact. Trusted by leading councils.
Metastreet enables local authorities to regulate the private rented sector effectively, despite rising demand and constrained resources. We partner with leading UK housing authorities to deliver measurable improvements in regulation and service delivery.
Our platform brings together intelligence, licensing, end-to-end case management and inspection workflows in a single system — reducing administrative burden, improving operational efficiency, and enabling teams to focus on raising environmental health standards.
Osborne Richardson - stand 11
Osborne Richardson are the market leading provider of professional Environmental Health recruitment services throughout the UK and have been providing services to Local Authorities and the private sector for 30 years.
They offer a range of staffing solutions from short term contract to longer term consultancy services, from 1 member of temporary staff to a whole team of Consultants or permanent appointments.
Clients value their honesty and integrity, and they have worked in partnership to develop long standing relationships across their network that allows them to deliver a professional and reliable service.
For job seekers, their unrivalled technical knowledge and long standing connections to the environmental health profession allows them to offer unbiased and informed advice to those at all stages of their career whether working on a contract or permanent basis.
For more information about how they can help and to see all of their current opportunities please visit www.osbornerichardson.com
RHE - stand 5 & 6 
From support, sales and training to our creative development and in-house testing, we're driven by a culture of collaboration, innovation and inclusivity. Our mission is to assist with contributing to a better environment and safer communities. Our solutions provide answers to both existing and future environmental health and community safety issues.
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CIEH member - FOC
