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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.
Have your say: PSF review 2025
We are reviewing the PSF throughout 2025 and invite feedback from members and other stakeholders.
View the framework: CIEH Professional Standards Framework.
We will be launching an online survey from 13 June for those who wish to provide feedback. The link will be made available here then.
Members can also join one of our informal online webinars to share their views:
- 24 June 2025 - Professional Standards Framework Review Webinar
- 17 July 2025 - Professional Standards Framework Review Webinar
The review is being overseen by our Membership Learning and the Profession Advisory Group. Feedback from the first phase of the consultation will shape a revised version of the framework, which will then be shared for further feedback during phase two of the consultation from October onwards.
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.