EHJ August 2005, pages 12-13

Sarah Daniels and Andrew Walsh, two CIEH trustees, discuss the implications of the radical new changes to centres and branches agreed at last month's AGM and tell EHJ why there's more to being a member of the CIEH Council than free CPD points and a sandwich

EHJ: What made you join the CIEH Council?

Sarah Daniels - I am president of the Eastern Centre where I chair the healthy liaison group and organise seminars and events. Becoming a trustee was a natural next step for me. I knew if I became a member of council I could help drive through changes that my centre colleagues and I feel are essential to the future development of the environmental health profession.

I am also a very proud EHP, who is passionate about the profession and the difference it makes to people's lives.

Many members feel council is a distant organisation that has little impact on their professional lives, but as members we all have the power to influence how the CIEH is run, but you can only do that if you become involved.

Andrew Walsh - Ever since my university days I have learnt if you want to make a difference you need to be proactive. The CIEH is no different. You need to make the time and not be afraid about getting involved. Many members think CIEH trustees are out-of-touch but that is not the case. There are quite a few new professionals coming onto the scene and we are making our voices heard.

EHJ: How have you benefited from being a trustee?

SD - I enjoy the opportunities it has opened up for me. I get to discuss and debate education and career development issues. I contribute to policy development.

Also as someone working in the private sector, I want to make sure that the growing number of people working outside local authorities have a voice on council.

AW - I enjoy the debates, networking opportunities and the ability to influence the future shape of the profession and organisation. I have worked on a number of CIEH promotional activities and have appeared in national newspapers. I haven't been stopped for my autograph yet!

It is great to know that I am helping to attract new recruits to the profession who will have the opportunity to make the same commitment to public health and wellbeing that I have.

EHJ: Will you be standing for the new look, smaller council?

SD - Yes I will stand but that does not guarantee me a place on the new council. I feel I have a lot more to contribute. Having said this, I have absolutely no problem about being replaced - the new council is all about fresh blood.

AW - I am up for it because like Sarah I feel I have a lot more to contribute, and would like to part of the ongoing changes taking place at the CIEH.

EHJ: If members want to get involved with the CIEH and or become part of the new council, what do they need to do?

SD - Members have the opportunity to become more engaged by standing in the regional elections. There will also be much scope to be co-opted onto the many task groups, and some of the boards and committees, making them more diverse and representative.

AW - The expert advisory panel is also a great way of becoming directly involved, as this panel advises the policy development board. Most people don't like calling themselves experts, we are generally too modest but, we have all been involved in cutting edge environmental health issues as well as the day-to-day problems.

Members can also get involved with the management of the new regions; it always looks good to have shown some initiative on a CV.

EHJ: In what way are these changes going to be good for the profession?

SD - The regional centres will bring us up-to-date with the operational structure of government, allowing the organisation to have greater influence by reflecting the new regional style of government and partner agencies.

AW - Newer professionals will also have the opportunity to become involved. Previously some younger members may not have wanted to upset the applecart; preventing them from becoming as engaged as they would have liked.

EHJ: In what way are these changes going to benefit the CIEH?

SD - In regard to the council, the less people on council, the more the organisation will have to rely on ordinary members' involvement. This will enable many more people to get involved in the future decisions affecting the profession.

AW - A smaller council and a regionally managed body will be more cost effective for the organisation, which means the organisation can spend more money servicing its members.

Following the CIEH AGM on 9 July, as part of the centre and branch review process, council will be reduced from 50 to 30 members. To become a trustee, election for council will be held in January 2006. Nominations can be put forward by contacting Tricia Keen on t.keen@cieh.org

THE ROLE OF THE TRUSTEE

Trustees are members of the CIEH governing body and are responsible for the effective governance and conduct of the charity.

DUTIES OF THE TRUSTEE ARE:

• To ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law and other relevant legislation.
• To ensure that the charity pursues its objectives as defined by its governing document.
• To ensure that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects.
• To contribute actively on the board of trustees, giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets.
• To safeguard the good name and values of the organisation.
• To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
• To ensure the financial stability of the organisation.
• To protect and manage the property of the organisation and to ensure the proper investment of the charity's funds.
• To appoint the chief executive and monitor his or her performance.
• In addition each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This will include: scrutinising board papers; leading discussions; focusing on key issues and providing advice and guidance on new initiatives.

WHAT YOU HAVE TO OFFER:

• A commitment to the organisation.
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
• Strategic vision.
• Good, independent judgement.
• An ability to think creatively.
• A willingness to speak their mind.
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• Nolan's seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

OPPORTUNITIES TO GET INVOLVED:

Following the AGM decision to reduce the number of trustees, it is expected greater emphasis will be placed upon ordinary CIEH members to play a greater role within the organisation's structure.

With the establishment of regional management boards the majority of opportunities will be administrative roles at the regional level, revitalising the centres and branches.

Further opportunities will arise for members with specialist skills to become involved in task groups the CIEH is invited to join. Members will also have the opportunity to engage directly with the expert advisory panel, which advises the policy development board.

It is expected opportunities will also arise for some members to be directly involved with some of the CIEH governing boards.