The inaugural Environmental Health Practitioners’ Network (EHP Network) organised by the University West of England (UWE) brought together a wealth of environmental health (EH) experience from across the Southwest of England and South Wales, as well as leading academics, undergraduate and post-graduate EH students. 

A wide range of speakers and topics fostered an energetic and constant conversation amongst delegates who attended the regional event in Bristol, many from local authority EH teams sharing stories and swapping contacts. 

Those of us who remember the old CIEH branches, including a really active and positive community in the Southwest spearheaded by Peter Archer some years ago, were reminded how rich and positive it can be when professionals meet in this way – and the void that was left when such gatherings were no more.

One of the many Southwest EH managers gave their thoughts on the day: 

"I have already heard plenty of positive feedback amongst my own colleagues which I’m sure will be reflected in all who attended. As a leader of Environmental Health locally, it was inspiring and enjoyable for all involved, with engaging content . . . an event that enabled meaningful new connections to be made, and I hope it is something that can be repeated in the future."

Excellent speakers were in attendance covering the four key topics of the day: 

1: Workforce and skills development

2: Health protection

3: EHP-led research and projects

4: Enabling and empowering communities

Discussions centered around some of the magnificent work and projects that are being delivered across the region, ranging from the great work carried out by port health officers working in Bristol and navigating the recent changes that have come in post-Brexit to the work of Gloucester City Council in taking a holistic and person-centered approach to managing hoarding in the City. 

But whilst we celebrated some of the vital and positive contributions EHPs make in communities, we were reminded that the profession is suffering from an insufficient number EHPs available to fill job roles, meaning many positions remain vacant.

In stark contrast, we were further reminded of the employment barriers faced by recently graduated EH students, especially those from overseas who face hurdles related to visas and other practical disadvantages. Many times, we heard that a job rejection is accompanied by a common reasoning being a lack of experience. And the frustration being echoed loud and clear was: ‘How can we get experience if we are not given an opportunity?’ Where are the work placements and progression opportunities needed to develop future practitioners?  

There is widespread acknowledgement across the profession that we face a significant challenge with recruitment – so clearly there is a disconnect here. More needs to be done to connect graduates with job opportunities and employers and make sure the wider profession is supporting graduates and providing them with positive experiences. We all have a part to play in this if we want to profession to survive and thrive. And this needs to come from local, regional and national partnerships including events such as the EHP Network.

Ellis Turner, MSc Environmental Health Coordinator from UWE, explained how events like this are important to the ongoing development of practitioners and the profession as a whole: 

"Post pandemic, we have forgotten the joy of meeting and working face to face where we can achieve so much. Immediately after this event, I received 5–6 offers of partnerships and collaborations, and UWE colleagues have received similar numbers: offers of teaching, workforce support, training ideas, future events, teaching content and two potential student placements. We need to talk to each other more and build and rebuild relationships across our regions so we can start to solve problems. Following the success of this event, we’ll be meeting again in 2025."

This was a positive end to the year for environmental health in the Southwest and reminded us all how partnerships and collaboration can work. 

Final words from one of the EH apprentices in attendance:  

"Meeting new people and hearing such incredible ideas and experiences was substantial in the building of knowledge for my apprenticeship. I will share the slides with my colleagues to show them what an incredible time I had as well as sharing some of the ideas they had for my local authority. "

Wishing you all a prosperous and productive new year.  

Jeremy Manners, RIAMS Chief Editor