Explore Our Work

The Institute publishes 'Environmental Health Scotland' on a quarterly basis. The Journal seeks to provide Professionals with scientific papers and reports of experiences, to aid learning and development in Environmental Health related subjects. It seeks to share updates and information on the work of the Institute and that of various other bodies involved in Environmental Health related work. Monthly e-newsletters are shared with all those who sign up from the website. The e-newsletter highlights news items from Scotland, the UK and internationally as well as details of events currently being offered by the Institute. Contributions to the Journal and relevant news items for the website are welcome from professionals working in Environmental Health related activities and can be e mailed to contact@rehis.com.

The Institute is an independent organisation that makes representations to government and other bodies on Environmental Health matters by submitting observations on the content of proposed legislation and regularly responds to consultations.

The Institute has representatives sitting on various relevant Scottish Government Cross Party Groups; relevant groups within the Scottish Health Protection Network; Society of Chief Officers of Environmental Health in Scotland; Scottish Food Enforcement Liaison Committee; the SCOT Coalition through ASH Scotland and the OSHCR Advisory Group.

The Institute's Annual Environmental Health Forum covers a wide range of topical updates relevant to professionals in both the public and private sectors. It gives an opportunity for delegates to maintain and enhance their knowledge, skills, and competence in all environmental health activities. The annual presentation of awards normally takes place at the Annual Forum.

The Institute is a long established awarding body in Scotland for qualifications in Food Hygiene, Food and Health, HACCP, Control of Infection, Occupational Health and Safety and First Aid. Industry and Enforcement Officers recognise REHIS qualifications, not just in Scotland but nationally and internationally. Many of the courses have been independently credit rated on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).

Courses leading to REHIS qualifications are available at Approved Training Centres throughout Scotland and are delivered by registered presenters who meet the requirements of the Institute through evidencing their qualifications to deliver each course.

The Institute and the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) work together and have produced SVQ units and modules which are jointly accredited.

Where a standard REHIS qualification is not appropriate, the Institute will work with a partner to develop a sector or organisation specific qualification which will be certified by the Institute. Joint Awards have been agreed between REHIS and Training Organisations and the Food Industry and cover food allergy awareness, fish processing, alginate production, and meat product manufacture.

The Institute works with Universities to accredit appropriate academic courses, which ensure those wishing to become an EHO have attained knowledge in the required subject areas. The Institute delivers the examination for, and awards, the REHIS Diploma in Environmental Health, the qualification required to practice as an Environmental Health Officer (EHO) in Scotland. This is achieved through maintenance of appropriate systems and by REHIS Examiners and Assessors. Where professionals from outwith Scotland wish to relocate and practice as an EHO in Scotland, the Institute offers a system to determine whether the skills and knowledge of that person evidences broad equivalence with that expected of an EHO qualifying in Scotland.

The Institute receives and independently assesses records submitted by members in compliance with the Institute’s Scheme of Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Independent assessment of such records awards a certificate of compliance which can be used to evidence your commitment to ongoing professional development. Under the Royal Charter the Institute maintains the system for and awards Chartered EHO status to those EHO members who comply with the Scheme of CPD.

The Scottish Food Safety Officers’ Registration Board, a Committee of the Institute, defines the requirements, delivers the examination, and awards the qualifications for professionals wishing to practice in Food Law enforcement work in Scotland.

The Institute arranges and presents Professional Courses to meet the needs of members and those working in the Environmental Health profession, including Update Events in the different core subjects of Environmental Health and courses relating to legal proceedings. In addition, the Northern and Southern Centres of the Institute provide training courses in subjects requested by members in a manner that suits the Centre.