From Michelin-Star Kitchens to Environmental Health: A Journey to Senior Officer.

After working in the hospitality industry, Andrew served for five years in the Royal Navy, based in Portsmouth. During this time, he travelled extensively, gaining experience in a wide range of challenging and diverse environments, including the Falkland Islands, South Georgia in the Antarctic region, Norway, Iceland, Russia, and the Mediterranean.

Following his naval service, Andrew transitioned into local government, where he has developed broad experience across several Environmental Health roles. He began in Environmental Enforcement, dealing with fly-tipping and other environmental offences, before moving into a pollution-focused role as a Neighbour Liaison Officer, managing neighbour disputes and pollution-related issues.

Demonstrating a strong commitment to professional development, Andrew progressed into a career-grade post and undertook further study at the University of Derby, working towards becoming an Environmental Health Practitioner.

‘I live on the South Coast with my husband, Jeremy, who is my rock. We have been married for seven years and together for nineteen. Living just a stone’s throw from the Solent, I have developed a strong passion for food and food safety, and since joining the local authority sixteen years ago, I have aspired to work within the food team.’

Flexibility, Support, and Community: Studying Online at Derby

Several of Andrew’s colleagues at the local authority have completed their training online through the University of Derby. To progress in his own career, Andrew needed to undertake a master’s degree and was therefore looking for a flexible online course that would allow him to balance his studies alongside full-time work, without the need to attend regular on-campus sessions.

The University of Derby’s online MSc Environmental Health course came highly recommended. Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH), the programme enabled Andrew to gain CIEH membership. This provided access to specialist learning resources, professional networking opportunities, and valuable support for career development. Achieving CIEH membership was a key step towards Andrew’s ultimate goal of becoming a registered or Chartered Environmental Health Practitioner (EHP).

‘Working full-time and being part of an out of hours work rota posed a challenge. Time was an issue. Studying online gave me the flexibility I need needed to fit my studies around my other commitments. I found that I needed to be very well organised. Taking part in online ‘Microsoft Teams’ meetings were helpful as I was able to see other students and ask the tutor and each other questions. My tutor was there to support me and offer valuable feedback on my assignments.

The Café Forum was also beneficial. However, making connections with other students was the most important thing that anyone can do, to be able to discuss how you are feeling, managing, and dealing with the stress. You understand that everyone is feeling the same and that we are all there are to help each other.’

Andrew found the Public Health module particularly inspiring, thanks in large part to the tutor, Paul, whose passion for the subject was evident through his engaging lectures and insightful feedback. When the opportunity arose to request Paul as his tutor during the Independent Study Assessment (ISA), Andrew was thrilled. Paul had a deep understanding of the topic Andrew was researching and shared his enthusiasm for the subject.

Lessons Learned from Studying Online While Working Full-Time

Reflecting on his studies, Andrew shares some brilliant insight for anyone thinking about studying an online degree course: He says:

• Manage your time, especially if you are in full-time work. 10–12-week modules go fast
• Make friends and chat with other students, this is invaluable
• Read, just read and research your course content, it’s there for a reason
• Plan your essays
• Acknowledge that you will need to commit, they say 20 hours a week at Masters level. Sometimes it will be much more so be ready to sacrifice weekends and holidays
• As my boss kept reminding me… “it’s a means to an end!! You will get there!”

From Graduate to Senior Officer: A 16-Year Career Goal Achieved

By successfully completing the MSc Environmental Health, Andrew was able to progress from his graduate role in Environmental Health at his local authority, where he dealt with housing, planning, and pollution complaints, to a Senior Environmental Health Officer position within the Commercial team. This achievement marked the fulfilment of a long-held career aspiration that began when he first joined the local authority 16 years ago.

‘I feel more confident talking to people professionally knowing that I have achieved the MSc. I know that I am able to research answers that I do not know instantly, and I am able to do my job with the knowledge I have learnt along the way.

I have become more rounded, relaxed, and confident at work, even though I have moved to a new team, I am confident in my position there as a capable officer.’

The Next Step: Achieving Chartered Status

Next, Andrew aims to complete his CIEH portfolio and food competency training. Once these are achieved, he will be formally recognised as an Environmental Health Practitioner, his ultimate career goal since entering the field.