My name:
Philippa Smith
My job:
Senior Environmental Health Officer
Who I work for:
Borough Council of Kings Lynn & West Norfolk
A bit about my job:
I undertake inspections for Food Safety and Health & Safety at premises to ensure that they are providing a safe place to eat or work. I also investigate food poisonings & accidents to establish the cause and prevent future problems. If there are particular issues I have the powers to seize, close or prosecute premises.
How I got it / Qualifications needed
I went to school in Suffolk where I got my A-levels: two of them being science subjects which I've always enjoyed. I completed a degree in Environmental Health at Leeds Metropolitan University. The degree is vocational and focuses on the job of an EHO. It teaches you the core areas of Environmental Health which is Food & Health & Safety, Air Pollution, Contaminated Land, Public Health, Housing Standards & Disrepair, Nuisance & Law.
To qualify as an EHO a student must undertake practical training within a local authority or private industry to gain experience. I did a placement with a local authority in my third year. A student will also need to undertake professional exams. Once qualified, an EHO can if they wish specialise in any area. After qualifying I specialised in the area of Nuisance which resulted in me undertaking a Post Graduate qualification in Acoustic and Noise Control which was paid for by my work. After 6 years of Nuisance I decided to change area, which is how I am now working in Food & Health & Safety.
What I earn:
£25,000 - £30,000
Anything else?
I really enjoy the job because it is so varied and I’m not stuck in an office all day. The work can be challenging because of the range areas covered, which means that I have to keep up to date with any change of legislation or guidance. I find that many places are welcoming of my visit as they see it as verification of what they are doing is right, however there are times when people get upset and can become confrontational.
