Anti-Social Behaviour Conference looks at new powers and responsibilities for environmental health teams

How the new Crime and Policing Bill will impact the work of Environmental Health Officers and learnings from a major fly-tipping incident were among the highlights of a conference on anti-social behaviour.

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Conference, sponsored by RHE Global, took a deep dive into the Crime and Policy Bill 2025 with two keynote sessions.

The opening session was led by Rebecca Bryant OBE, Chief Executive of Resolve, who are the UK's leading experts in tackling anti-social behaviour and enhancing community safety.

Rebecca gave a comprehensive overview of the Bill, including addressing the new Respect Orders and guidance around fly-tipping using the existing powers under the Environmental Protection Act.

That was then followed by a session looking in-depth at the key changes and implications for current legislation and what it means for environmental health, led by speakers Dr Tim Everett, a former CIEH President and trainer and researcher in Environmental Health Law, and Kuljit Bhogal KC, a Public Law Barrister with Cornerstone Barristers.

Another highlight of the conference was a presentation by James Johnson, CIEH Trustee and Regulation & Enforcement Manager at Lichfield District Council, looking at a high-profile incident of fly-tipping in Lichfield which saw businesses and residents cut-off as almost 30 tonnes of waste were dumped in a country lane.

James reflected on the investigation which had led to charges being brought and a lorry seized, as well as speaking about how environmental health teams can use the media and new technology to their advantage in such instances.

Also speaking at the conference was James Alexander from the Local Government Association (LGA) who talked about the local government role in tackling anti-social behaviour, and Dr Vicky Heap, Associate Professor in Criminology, at Sheffield Hallam University, who spoke about research on the use of Community Protection Notices.

Ian Andrews, Head of Environmental Health at CIEH, chaired the conference and said:

“This year’s CIEH Anti-Social Behaviour Conference saw a packed agenda full of enlightening and engaging sessions on a topic which plays a significant part in the work of environmental health professionals.

“I’m sure the insights and practical guidance shared by the speakers will help those in attendance navigate key changes in legislation and protect their communities more effectively. I would like to thank all those who presented and everyone who attended for making the event a great success.”

More information about upcoming events organised by CIEH can be found here: www.cieh.org/events