150 Timeline
As part of our anniversary celebrations, we dug deep into the archives and produced a timeline of significant events and legislation that has shaped the profession over the past 150 years. The timeline, launched at the Forum, offers a glimpse into the milestones, challenges, and achievements that brought us to where we are today.
We extend our sincere thanks to the dedicated working group whose research and hard work made this timeline possible. A special mention must go to Sandy Fowler and George McCracken. Their commitment ensures our history is preserved and celebrated for generations to come.
It all started in 1875 when a newly appointed sanitary inspector from Perth called John Welsh asked for help from the inspectors in Glasgow and Edinburgh. He felt that those from the big cities had more experience to share with those who were just starting out. The first Annual General Meeting took place on 2 June 1875 in Stirling. In 1878 it was renamed to The Sanitary Association of Scotland to be more inclusive to membership to all persons interested in the promotion of public health.
In 1884 it was agreed to remit powers to the Association to develop examinations for Sanitary Inspectors and grant certificates of competency. In1885-1889 a Board of Examiners was set up, and they developed a syllabus of examination. The first set of examinations were held in 1890 with 13 candidates achieving the Sanitary Inspectors Certificate which has evolved to the current REHIS Diploma in Environmental Health. In 1909 a separate examination in the Inspection of Meat and Other Foods was instituted.
In 1924, the organisation took on a new identity as The Royal Sanitary Association of Scotland, and just seven years later, in 1931, it became the official awarding body for Health Visitors – a role it continued to fulfil until 1965, when the Health Visitors Training Council was formed.
The post-war years brought major changes. In 1947, a new four-year syllabus for Sanitary Inspectors was introduced, paving the way for more structured and advanced training. By 1968, both Napier College and Langside College were offering courses in Sanitary Science, and in 1975 Strathclyde University launched Scotland’s first-ever degree programme in the field. The course thrived for four decades, known for its consistently high enrolment and strong reputation.
Meanwhile, the Sanitary Inspectors who had continued to meet formally established the Scottish Institute of Environmental Health in 1973, which went on to become a registered charity in 1980.
A landmark moment arrived in 1983, when The Royal Sanitary Association of Scotland and the Scottish Institute of Environmental Health came together to form The Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland, better known today as REHIS.
The 1990s brought further transformation. With the introduction of the Food Safety Act in 1990, REHIS launched a network of Training Centres to deliver its Elementary Food Hygiene qualifications. This network has grown substantially, and today more than 500 Training Centres deliver a portfolio of over 28 different qualifications.
In 2001, the Institute achieved incorporation by Royal Charter, and in 2003 an additional bye-law was introduced, granting the authority to award Chartered EHO status to eligible Environmental Health Officer members. Chartered EHO status is the highest possible professional status and recognises an individual’s professional qualifications, training, experience within, and commitment to, Environmental Health practice.
In 2006 and 2012, the Derby MSc and UWS BSc courses in Environmental Health were accredited – important milestones at the time, although both programmes have since closed. Following changes to the Food Law Code of Practice in 2019, the Higher Certificate (HC) in Official Control was introduced. Building on this, in 2022 we launched the Higher Certificate in Food Practice, bringing all three qualifications together into a single, streamlined award.
Recognising that many practitioners brought valuable prior experience and training, the Institute introduced an alternative pathway in 2024. This route ensured that prior learning could be formally recognised without compromising the high professional standards expected within Environmental Health. It offered greater flexibility for candidates while maintaining a rigorous, competency-based approach.
Today, in 2025, we have completed accreditation of the MSc programme at Abertay University, further strengthening the network of recognised academic partners across the UK. We also celebrate the awarding of the 4,329th Diploma in Environmental Health – a testament to the sustained growth of the profession and the dedication of those entering the field.
This timeline celebrates how far we have come and highlights the foundations on which we will continue to build a strong, modern, and resilient Institute to support the Environmental Health profession in Scotland.
