Blaby District Council’s Chief Executive has been awarded an accolade from the UK’s standard setting body for public health.

The Faculty of Public Health (FPH) board has recently voted to elect Blaby District Council Chief Executive Sandra Whiles as an Honorary Member of the Faculty of Public Health.

This level of membership is only offered to those who are recognised as having distinguished themselves through their significant contribution to public health practice, policy or research, or to the specialty of public health.

FPH was established as a registered charity in 1972 and represents more than 3,300 professionals working in public health. Its members come from a diverse range of professional backgrounds and are employed in a variety of settings, usually working at a strategic or specialist level.

The honorary membership recognises the ground breaking work that is developing across Leicestershire around housing and health.

Sandra Whiles said:

“I am honoured and very touched to have been put forward for this honorary membership. District Councils across Leicestershire are working alongside public health colleagues at the County Council to deliver some really innovative services which will make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of local people.

I’m really fortunate to be involved in this work and will use my membership of the Faculty of Public Health to make sure that our work is shared widely.”

Ernie White, Leader at Blaby District Council, and Chairman of Leicestershire’s Health and Wellbeing Board added:

“I am delighted at this recognition of the valuable contribution that that Sandra has made to the welfare of Leicestershire residents.”