Online learning student awarded ‘Graduate of the Year’ by CIEH

A University of Derby Online Learning (UDOL) student has been awarded ‘Graduate of the Year’ by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH).

Anne-Marie Coulthard enrolled with UDOL in 2011 to study an MSc in Environmental Health and has recently completed her studies, receiving a distinction.

She was rewarded the ‘Graduate of the Year’ award last Tuesday (July 14) at the CIEH Environmental Health Awards.

Anne-Marie Coulthard

The annual presentation ceremony was held in London at the House of Lords and sponsored by Lord Rooker PC, former Chairman of the Food Standards Agency.

CIEH is the professional body for environmental health and campaigns to ensure that government policies meet the needs of those working in the environmental health sector. CIEH represents over 10,000 people working in the public, private and non-profit sectors.

The CIEH Environmental Health Awards seek to recognise those who are working and studying in the field of environmental health, in areas such as environmental protection, occupational health and safety, food safety, housing standards and public health.

Anne-Marie, who works for the South Kesteven District Council as a Business Manager for Environmental Health, said: “I was really pleased to be nominated for this award in recognition of my studies. It was a great honour to receive the top prize at the House of Lords.”

Alan Whitfield, Academic Lead for Environmental Health with UDOL, added: “I’m very pleased that Anne-Marie was awarded first prize of environmental health graduate of the year. She is a first class student who has worked extremely hard and she deserves recognition for this.

“Anne-Marie is a great ambassador for the University and for the environmental health profession. UDOL have just appointed her as an Associate Academic. I am looking forward to working with her.”

Graham Jukes, Chief Executive of CIEH, said: “All of the winners delivered excellent environmental health services, using their skill, passion and dedication. They are positive examples for all of us to follow.

“More importantly, it is the hard work of each and every one of these people that directly contributes to the health and wellbeing of the average person on the street.”