Message from REHIS President Lynn Crothers
Dear REHIS members
I am delighted to be taking up the role of President of the Institute this year and wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you to our members for their continued support of the Institute.
I am looking forward to working closely with our Senior Vice President, Alan Morrison and our Junior Vice President, Lindsey Anne McNeil as well as the members of Council (old and new) on a very busy programme of work in the coming year.
This work includes improving engagement with our members, training centres and stakeholders; Reviewing the Royal Charter and; promotion of the Environmental Health profession. Environmental Health as a career choice offers an opportunity to gain a professional qualification and develop skills and knowledge in a wide remit of Environmental Health-related disciplines which are highly regarded by a range of employers and organisations. Let’s all work together in promoting the profession!
I am also working with the REHIS Executive Team on this year’s Annual Forum which will be held in East Lothian – look out for further details on this soon. As well as the Forum, REHIS has a number of other events and training in development so please keep and eye on the website which has all the information.
Best wishes to you all for 2024 and hope I get the opportunity to catch up with you soon.
REHIS Annual Forum
The Institute is delighted to advise that this year’s Annual Environmental Health Forum will be held as a Hybrid event from Queen Margaret University on Wednesday 24 April 2024. Further details will be featured on our website very soon.
Professional Update Courses
The Institute would like to extend gratitude to all involved in the development and delivery of Professional update courses and hope that we can rely on your support this year with ideas on content, recent interesting cases/events, and suggestions of speakers.
Planning is now underway for the following online events which are scheduled as follows:
- Pollution Update Course – 22 May 2024
- Food Update Course – 5 June 2024
- Health & Safety Update Course – 4 September 2024
- Public Health & Housing Course – 27 November 2024
The Special Investigators Course which took place in December 2023, run by George Barnsley, proved to be popular. This highlighted a few training gaps, and we are looking to organise a similar event perhaps more tailored to more specific needs. Watch this space!
Continuing Professional Development
CPD submissions for calendar year 2023 require to be with the Institute by 31 January 2024.
The Institute’s Scheme of CPD provides a way for Members of the Institute to evidence their ongoing professional development in an independently assessed way. For EHOs this also offers a means to achieve Chartered EHO status. We encourage all members to submit their CPD through the REHIS website, members only section. For information about the updated CPD scheme please CPD – REHIS
Alternative Route to EHO and Alternative Pathway to FSO
We continue to receive many applications for the Alternative Route to becoming an EHO and Alternative Pathway to becoming FSO in Scotland. These applications are welcomed, and it is hoped that we will see many applicants progressing through to the next stages and entering the profession.
Professional Exams
The Professional exams for both the REHIS Diploma in Environmental Health and the Higher Certificate in Food Practice are scheduled to take place during the week of 1 October 2024. Based on the positive feedback regarding the Carnegie Centre in Dunfermline it is planned to again hold the exams there.
We were pleased to note the success of the candidates who sat their Professional exams in December 2023. Well done! Additionally, we would also like to thank all the trainers, assessors, examiners, and all those who provided their time, support and encouragement.
Community Training
The Institute is holding its first ever Presenters Update event for centres who are approved to deliver the REHIS Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Holders course (SCPLH). This event is online and is being held on 19 March 2024. For further information, contact the Director of Training.
