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Our Professional Standards
Setting the gold standard for environmental health.
Review of Professional Standards Framework
Like all professions, environmental health is underpinned by a set of standards. At its core is CIEH's code of ethics, a framework for how members behave and make decisions. Alongside this is the Professional Standards Framework (PSF), which sets out the technical knowledge required of a newly qualified Environmental Health Practitioner.
The PSF encompasses the common characteristics of a diverse cohort of professionals working in different disciplines, roles and sectors. It includes:
- Professional commitments
- Core skills, such as critical thinking, collaboration and organisational awareness
- Technical expertise, knowledge and understanding of environmental health.
This framework underpins CIEH's accreditation of courses and Continuing Professional Development, which helps to shape the profession.
PSF review 2025
Thank you to our members, advisory panels, academic and other stakeholders who contributed to this review. An overview of the outcome of the review is available in our blog.
Our Board of Trustees has agreed that the review will now form part of a larger review of qualifications, registration and professional titles. You can read an introduction to this broader review in our blog post on the wider programme of work. This review is being overseen by our Environmental Health Services Committee, and members will be kept updated via Member Connect and Environmental Health News.
Professional Standards Framework
The CIEH Professional Standards define what is expected of Environmental Health Practitioners who improve and protect people’s health, safety and well-being by securing safer, cleaner and healthier environments (or aspire to do so).
The Standards include commitments, behaviours, skills and technical expertise. The Standards capture the common attributes of a diverse group of professionals, working in different disciplines, roles and sectors, showcasing what it means to be an Environmental Health Practitioner.
They help to raise the profile of the profession, by setting expectations and providing a national reference point. The Standards facilitate professional development, learning and progression and ultimately uphold and improve standards within environmental health for public protection.
Members can access the full Professional Standards Framework Guide in MyCIEH.
Code of Ethics and fitness to practise rules
Our members are bound by our Code of Ethics and fitness to practise rules. This code covers everything from confidentiality to complaints and is central to how we conduct ourselves as an organisation.
The Code and details of recent or forthcoming fitness to practise hearings can be found on our Governance documents page.