Why work in Environmental Health (EH)?

Why work in Environmental Health (EH)?

By Nick CheungDecember 7, 2022Advice, Environmental Health

First of all, what is Environmental Health?

Environmental Health is considered a branch of Public Health, it concerns a wide range of issues in the environment that affect human health and disease.

“Clean air, stable climate, adequate water, sanitation and hygiene, safe use of chemicals, protection from radiation, healthy and safe workplaces, sound agricultural practices, health-supportive cities and built environments, and a preserved nature are all prerequisites for good health.” ~ WHO (World Health Organization)

So why work in Environmental Health?

Working in Environmental health can be exciting and rewarding duties can include: inspections, investigations, can depend on the sector of Environmental Health you take (Food Safety, Health & Safety, Environmental Protection, Private Sector Housing, etc.). Your role can lead you to work in various establishments including local authorities and government departments, regulators and enforcement agencies, the NHS and the armed services, charities and global corporations.

What Qualifications do I need to do Environmental Health work?

The qualifications needed for a job in environmental health depends on the industry, local authorities and private limited companies would require specific qualifications for certain sectors you plan to go into.

For example:

Registration with the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) and/or Environmental Health Registration Board (EHORB/EHRB).
Degree/Diploma in Environmental Health, Environmental Sciences or similar (Accredited by the CIEH).
Food Safety: a Higher Certificate of Food Control
Private Sector Housing: a HHSRS (Housing Health and Safety Rating System) qualification
In some cases, local authorities and companies would prioritise professionals with practical Environmental Health work experience (including shadowing experience).

What are the different specialisms in Environmental Health?

Environmental health covers a broad range of specialisms including:

Environmental Health Officer
Food Safety Officer
HSE (Health, Safety and Environment) Officers
Licencing Officer
Planning Officer
Private Sector Housing Officer
Environmental Protection Officer
Public Health Officer

The list continues…

Next Issue

Tune in on Friday where we go for an in-depth look into what Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) do daily and the role responsibilities!

Nick Cheung

Marketing Executive

Buckingham Futures HQ

We are dedicated to providing our exceptional recruitment and consultancy services to you. With our team of specialist recruitment consultants, they will be able to assist you in your queries and job hunt.

Give us a call on 020 8125 4321 or email your CV to info@buckinghamfutures.com and let’s have a chat!