A major retailer was recognised recently for the strength of its commitment to high standards of environmental health.

The John Lewis Partnership has achieved corporate membership of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) based on its steadfast adherence to the core tenets of environmental health, which cover food safety and hygiene, health and safety, environmental protection and sustainable development.

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

Commenting on the retailer’s achievement, Graham Jukes, CIEH chief executive, said: “It gives me great pleasure – and pride – to award CIEH corporate membership to the John Lewis Partnership, which is without question one of the world’s most responsible and highly regarded corporate citizens.

“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.”

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." 

The retailer’s safety manager, Duncan Spencer, added: "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."