A symbiotic journey: marrying technical expertise and policy acumen

Navigating the ever-evolving landscape of environmental health demands an amalgamation of the deep technical expertise of our members alongside the nuanced approach to policy development and public affairs activity of the CIEH Policy and Campaigns team.

In this collaborative endeavour, our policy professionals draw upon the expert knowledge of our members to craft accessible and impactful narratives which resonate powerfully across a variety of platforms and audiences. It is a privilege to sit at the nexus of this dynamic collaboration as we steer the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) towards a promising, influential future.

Celebrating collaborative milestones

CIEH policy development bears fruit through constant and active collaboration between the CIEH Policy and Campaigns team and our expert Advisory Panels made up of subject matter experts in the fields of Housing, Food, Environmental Protection and Health and Safety.

Our recent journey with our Advisory Panels has produced some outstanding collaborative milestones:

• Ian Sanders, a valuable asset to our Housing Advisory Panel, actively contributed to a government working group, helping shape the recently published guidelines on damp and mould, thereby significantly elevating housing standards.
• Henry Dawson, another valued member of our Housing Advisory Panel, recently gave evidence to the Public Bills Committee on possible amendments to the Renters Reform Bill, influencing a key piece of legislation for our members working in housing.
• In a unified endeavour, we harmonised insights from all our Advisory Panels to articulate a comprehensive response to the UK Business and Trade Commission on the potential ramifications of the REUL Bill, a showcase of the depth and breadth of our collaborative insights. We have similar plans to produce a coordinated response to the government’s call for evidence on ‘Smarter Regulation’.
• Matthew Clark, a distinguished advocate from our Environmental Protection Advisory Panel, has engaged with notable figures such as Professor Sir Chris Whitty on pressing air quality issues. His representation at platforms like the Environmental Audit Select Committee has amplified our stance significantly.
• This panel also witnessed stellar contributions from Paul McCullough and Somayya Yaqub at the House of Lords Science and Technology Select Committee, where they addressed urgent noise and light pollution concerns, adding substantial depth to the ongoing discourse.
• In a display of remarkable agility, our Environmental Protection Advisory Panel convened over a stringent 9-day Easter deadline to provide essential input into Defra's Draft Air Quality Strategy. Moreover, CIEH orchestrated a potent cross-organisational response, fostering impactful collaborations within tight timeframes.
• Colin Cobbing, a member of our Environmental Protection Advisory Panel, has been providing the Planning & Health Working Group convened by the Office of Health Inequalities and Disparities with his expertise.
• Our Food Advisory Panel has been instrumental in responding to several critical FSA consultations, including offering insightful perspectives on the modernised Food Hygiene Delivery Model and proposed modifications to the Food Law Code of Practice.
• David Carr, another proficient member of our Environmental Protection Advisory Panel, is actively representing CIEH at the Technical Advisory Panel, contributing significantly to the development of the UK BAT, an initiative that holds great promise for the future. David also represents CIEH on the Professional and Technical Panel for the Specialists in Land Contamination (SiLC).
• Diana Tumova, from our Food Advisory Panel, is currently a key figure representing CIEH in the SPS Working Group. Collaborating with various trade associations and professional membership organisations, she has been offering valuable feedback to the government on the development of the new Border Target Operating Model.
• Our Housing Advisory Panel has consistently crafted thoughtful responses to several consultations, such as proposals for a Decent Homes Standard in the Private Rented Sector, thereby amplifying the call for enhanced housing standards.

A call for active participation

We are currently revitalising the operation of our Advisory Panels, with a focus on empowering members to have a more substantial role in directing policy development. This is a step towards fostering a more inclusive and responsive approach to policy formulation, one that actively integrates the diverse insights and experiences of our members.

As part of this new approach, we are actively recruiting members to join two new Advisory Panels focusing on Public Health and Port Health. Members interested in joining either of these panels can apply online. While we are actively recruiting for these two panels, we will also review applications for the four existing panels on an ongoing basis, so please do not hesitate to submit an application.

We want to hear from our diverse membership body, encompassing student members, new members, Chartered professionals, and retired members. Your voices are not just valuable but vital in shaping our current and future policy direction. We are committed to ensuring that each member feels heard and can significantly influence our policy trajectory. We are especially interested in hearing from members in our devolved nations to ensure the views of members in both Wales and Northern Ireland are represented within CIEH.

Looking ahead with excitement

Our Policy and Campaigns team is brimming with excitement to continue deploying our skills in crafting even more opportunities for our members to voice their perspectives and influence policymakers. We are keen to raise awareness of the vital role played by Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) in safeguarding public health, thereby fostering a broader appreciation of our members' indispensable contributions.

As we envision a future marked by mutual growth and respect, I am eager to cultivate a space where our members' technical expertise harmonises perfectly with the strategic insights of our policy professionals. Together, we weave a rich tapestry of collaboration that promises a safer, cleaner, healthier environment for everyone.