Sandra Moore
MCIEH CEnvH
Technical Director
" I love the job satisfaction when we get the results that we had hoped for and make a difference!"
What environmental health means to me
For me, environmental health encompasses the wider determinants of health and takes a holistic approach to the environment where we live, work and ‘play’.
We have to look at the socio-economic factors of what causes the health (physical, mental and spiritual) issues within in our communities and find workable solutions for the underlying causes, not just treat the symptoms.
My inspiration
I was a Registered General Nurse prior to retraining as an Environmental Health Practitioner (EHP). While undertaking the certificate in Health Education, I found out about environmental health and was so fascinated about the different disciplines that I gave up nursing and retrained.
Sandra explains what her job involves, linking to a variety of experiences throughout her career in environmental health.
How I got started
I trained at the London Borough of Hackney between 1986 and 1990, and quickly gained knowledge, understanding and the skill set to hit the ground running upon qualifying.
This was an invaluable experience and gave me the confidence to take on complex cases soon after qualifying. After taking on a number of posts in local authority including Environmental Health Manager and Head of Service, I then went into the private sector in 2010, which was another steep learning curve!
My current job
As Technical Director at Hygenisys Environmental Health Consultancy, my main role is to build the business and to strategically work with our clients so that they operating at a good standard of compliance.
I am also leading on a project to raise the awareness of health and safety within the beauty industry. This is an unregulated area and has the potential to have a detrimental impact on the public if safeguards are not put in place.
What I like most about being an EHP
I love the job satisfaction when we get the results that we had hoped for and make a difference!
The least glamorous part of my job
Some of the least glamorous parts have included coming across a huge pest infestation while auditing!
What I am most proud of
I have been fortunate to have worked on a number of high profile projects during my career which have had positive outcomes for businesses and the public.
Of these I am particularly proud of:
- Being awarded the Chartermark for the Environmental Health Service at South Bedfordshire District Council (now part of Central Beds) and maintaining it for three years
- Gaining the BS9001 accreditation for Environmental Health at South Bedfordshire
- Leading on the Food Standards Agency's Olympic Food Safety Coaching programme
In five years’ time
Well…semi-retired but still promoting environmental health.
My advice to someone thinking
about becoming an EHP
Make sure you have the passion and the commitment for the work, otherwise change will not happen.
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#IamEnvironmentalHealth
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