Dear REHIS members,
Thank you to everyone for welcoming me as your new President, it is a tremendous honour, and I am truly grateful for your ongoing support of our professional Institute. Rest assured, I will continue to work diligently to benefit our Institute and all of our members.
Following the successful celebrations of REHIS’ 150th Anniversary in 2025, which highlighted our proud history and achievements, we now look forward to building on that legacy as we enter a new year of progress and opportunity. As we look ahead, we recognise that 2026 will bring new challenges for the profession, yet as Environmental Health professionals, we carry essential knowledge, skills, and an enthusiastic spirit that uniquely position us to respond to these.
Some of the emerging challenges for the profession include the Climate Change Plan (2026-2040), which warns of more frequent extreme weather events and sets ambitious targets, to cut emissions and meet carbon reduction targets, reshaping how we live, travel, and heat our homes. Air quality remains a priority with a new framework replacing “Cleaner Air for Scotland 2” to tighten standards and tackle persistent health inequalities. Fuel poverty and poor housing conditions continue to drive respiratory and cardiovascular risks, and the introduction of Awaab’s Law for Scotland under the new Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 is a significant step forward. This law will require landlords to urgently investigate and address damp and mould within strict timeframes, improving standards for vulnerable households. Food safety regulation is also evolving, with new legislation and Food Standards Scotland’s 2026-2031 strategy focusing on authenticity, resilience, and healthy diets. These developments will demand proactive engagement from environmental health professionals to protect public health and promote sustainability as we go forward.
Our REHIS priorities this year include strengthening the Institute’s finances, preparing an updated Environmental Health Manifesto for Scotland, continuing to advance pathways into Environmental Health, engaging with our members, training centres, and stakeholders, updating our Royal Charter, and delivering our Strategic Plan.
Financial pressures remain a reality for everyone, and REHIS is no exception. Our ability to support the profession and promote Environmental Health depends on strong membership levels and income from our community training programmes. Both areas remain a priority, and work is ongoing to ensure they are sustainable in the longer term. Membership retention and growth are vital, and our Membership Action Plan is designed to strengthen these areas, but your continued support makes the biggest difference. Please help us by continuing to promote the benefits of REHIS membership to colleagues and I encourage you all to participate. Your input is always welcomed to help shape future offerings so please get in touch with any suggestions for CPD events, about anything we could do different and/or if you would like to get more involved.
I’m excited about what 2026 holds. Our evolving priorities and changing legislative landscape present us with immense opportunities to lead the way. With our expertise, proactive spirit, and united efforts, we can make a profound impact on the health of our communities and environment.
I look forward to the year ahead and working closely with our new Senior Vice President (John Murray) and Junior Vice President (Sandy Fowler), all of our Council members and REHIS staff. I hope to meet many of you at future REHIS events and Institute gatherings. Please feel free to share any ideas, feedback, or areas you would like me to champion.
Wishing every member a successful and rewarding 2026.
