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Is the environmental health officer really a species under
threat? Worryingly, the statistics appear to speak for themselves.
A recent report states that by 2005, the country could be
1,000 EHOs short as applications for degree courses have dramatically
dropped over the last five years (EHN, 29 June 2001). According
to the CIEH, many more EHOs are needed than are currently
graduating, and it holds grave concerns over the future capacity
of local authorities to deliver their statutory functions
if the rot is not stopped.
Two universities have closed down their environmental health
courses in the last 12 months - is it possible that others
will follow? Harold Harvey takes an in-depth look at environmental
health as a degree course in the UK today. He points to a
number of significant factors that are responsible for the
decline in student applications to environmental health degrees,
and outlines some vital measures needed if environmental health
is to survive in universities.
One of the factors thought to influence the lack of popularity
of environmental health as a career choice is the perceived
hurdle of the logbook, professional exams and professional
interviews. Phillip Bentley, an ex-student and current assessor,
offers some practical guidance for new students on how to
successfully complete the logbook and get through the exams
and interview.
A hot topic in legal circles is whether the Regulation of
Investigatory Powers Act 2000 will apply to local authority
investigations. John Pointing examines the relevant sections
of the Act, using the case of neighbourhood noise nuisance
as an example - do your investigations amount to intrusive
surveillance?
Also in this issue, Peter Carey recounts how Camden Council
helped alleviate residents' fears over construction noise
and environmental impacts, when Railtrack undertook a much-needed
16-month-long infrastructure project at Euston Station.
Tracey Khanna, Editor
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