Posted: Tuesday, January 24, 2012 12:50 pm

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) has announced that Waitrose has achieved Corporate Membership in recognition of its strong commitment to high standards of environmental health. Waitrose is the first retailer to achieve membership.

The award recognised the John Lewis Partnership for its adherence to the core tenets of environmental health which cover food safety and hygiene, health and safety, environmental protection and sustainable development.

Commenting, Graham Jukes, CIEH Chief Executive, said:“For the CIEH, corporate membership recognises exceptional organisations which go that extra mile to protect the public and to create safe and rewarding working environments for employees.

“The alignment of our two brands is testament to our shared vision for a fairer, more ethical and sustainable world.”

The CIEH says organisations seeking corporate membership undergo a very robust and rigorous selection process. Corporate membership is awarded to organisations that exceed internationally recognised standards of environmental health best practice. 

Nigel Keen, Property and Development Director of the John Lewis Partnership, said: "The Partnership recognises the national leadership of the CIEH in the fields of safety and food hygiene. We look forward to working closely with the CIEH to the mutual benefit of both organisations." 

Duncan Spencer, Safety Manager of John Lewis Partnership, said:"A key benefit to our membership of the CIEH will be opportunities to help Local Authority enforcement officers and other members to understand the commercial challenges facing national retailers in their compliance with the law.

“We will also greatly benefit from sharing ideas with the experts at CIEH and to develop together effective management approaches to safety and food hygiene and occupational health."