Case study
“I’ve been qualified for just two years, and four months ago I was promoted to Principal Officer level. I’m not saying that to blow my own trumpet. I’m just making the point that there’s real scope for rapid career progression in Environmental Health. “My work now is on a more strategic level, but like everyone else I cut my teeth in the operational front line. Public Health teams are responsible for a whole host of things, from noisy neighbours and choking bonfires to anti-social behaviour and even the water for activities like sailing and fishing. You’re dealing with all types of situation and all kinds of people too. “I remember one of my very first visits, to see a couple who had been described as aggressive and obnoxious by their neighbour. Naturally I was a bit anxious. I needn’t have been. They turned out to be extremely nice people, though their dogs were a bit on the noisy side. But you never really know what to expect. “My role is different now, more involved in planning. I’m enjoying the challenge of resource management and strategic planning, though I still get involved in dealing with complaints and problems when complex problems are referred upwards. As for the long term, with so many Environmental Health initiatives coming from central Government, it’s a profession with enormous scope.”Caroline Maffia - Principle Officer, Public Health, Wigan Council
