Leeds Beckett launches Environmental Health Consultancy Service

Businesses and organisations operating in all three sectors; public, private and third, will have access to a broad range of on-site environmental health solutions delivered by students and graduates who are studying, or have studied, Environmental Health at the University.

The project, headed up by Mark Hodgson, Senior Lecturer in Health and Wellbeing at Leeds Beckett, will be overseen by qualified Environmental Health practitioners. Speaking about the launch, Mark said: “The EHCS means we can offer organisations cost-effective, flexible and bespoke solutions to their environmental health needs.

“It will provide an excellent opportunity to link in top students and graduates with real-time business opportunities. I anticipate the majority of our students (30-40 in total) will sign up for the service, as it will allow them to develop their skills, give them an employability edge and cross over into areas of Environmental Health Practice they haven’t yet experienced.”

Based within Leeds City Centre, the consultants will travel across the UK to work on projects both large and small dependant on the client’s brief. Mark added: “We will work with our clients to understand the specific requirements and size of the challenge then use this information to identify the relevant consultant for the project and ascertain cost. Our students will be able to transfer their learned skills to all kinds of generalist and specialist roles, including all aspects of environmental health practice; Food Safety; Health & Safety at Work; Environmental Protection; Housing and Public Health.”

Michelle Marsden, Leeds Beckett MSc Environmental Health graduate on placement at Dover District Council, said: “The EHCS will be invaluable in providing students with the necessary work-based practical experience they require within a local authority who are committed to training the next generation of Environmental Health Officers (EHOs), with a focus on completing the Portfolio of Professional Practice (PPP).

“The Consultancy Service will enable all students to put into practice their newly-acquired skills and knowledge from the degree course and to gain the necessary experience to become a fully qualified EHO. We’ll also be able to offer businesses a fresh perspective thanks to our leading edge training.”

The official launch of the EHCS will take place at the Yorkshire and Humber Region Housing Conference - Private Sector, on 15 October at Horizon, Brewery Wharf. The one day event, hosted by the University, will provide EHPs and housing practitioners an opportunity to catch up on a wide range of topical and important industry issues. The event is open to both CIEH members and non-members and recommended to all EHOs and other professionals working in the field.

Leeds Beckett University provides the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) accredited courses in Environmental Health at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.

For more information on the EHCS please contact Mark Hodgson (Project Lead) on 0113 812 3851 or email m.a.hodgson@leedsbeckett.ac.uk