Our Professional Standards
Setting the gold standard for environmental health.
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.
CIEH Professional Standards Framework
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Technical Expertise Standard
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A commitment to the ethics and conduct that uphold the reputation of the profession.
Essential behaviours for environmental health professionals in all roles.
Objective analysis and evaluation of issues in order to make well-formed judgements
Inspiring others to achieve a common vision
Awareness of the workings of both internal and relevant external organisations
Working with others to achieve desired goals
Professional assessment and evaluation underpin effective practice.
Impact assessment is important in developing processes and intervention approaches for future development.
Evaluating the lessons learnt, improving and sharing this with others is vital in shaping a reflective profession.
Analysis is a fundamental component, enabling robust decision making, identifying effective solutions and interventions.
It should encompass all sets of applicable information; undertaking robust option analysis to identify the most appropriate course of action.
Planning for appropriate specialist assistance prior to action will improve timeliness and service levels during intervention.
Making a robust case for resource allocation, and a planned approach to intervention, is essential in delivering an efficient, viable and effective service.
Environmental health professionals will be involved in a wide range of complex interventions such as emergency incident management and formal legal action and representation.
The long-term protection of our environment is critical to maintaining health and well-being.
Actions to secure the provision of clean air, potable water, sustainable waste management and a pollutant and nuisance controlled environment are fundamental.
Complex food and feed supply chains may pose risks. Physical, chemical and microbiological contamination can occur.
The hazards associated with food safety and integrity must be assessed and managed throughout all stages of the food chain.
Proactive action is essential in resolving risks identified from current and emerging public health threats.
Biological, chemical, radiological, physiological and psycho-social threats to health must be identified, assessed and managed in order to safeguard public health.
The complex interaction between people, the work environment, the equipment they use and the activities undertaken can be hazardous.
These hazards need to be risk assessed and managed, effectively engaging both employees and employers within a safety culture.
Housing must provide an environment that is safe and healthy as poor living conditions are a major cause of accidents and ill health.
Actions to improve poor housing protect health, safety and well-being.
Interested in using our competency framework?
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