I am delighted to be able to advise you that Robert Howe has been appointed to the position of Director of Professional Development and will take up his post early in the New Year. Robert will bring additional experience, expertise and professionalism to the Institute´s office and I look forward to him joining us and to working with him. Tom Bell Chief Executive

Professor Hugh Pennington is expressing his concerns at any future cuts in local government affecting food enforcement. At the annual Food Update course for food enforcers held by REHIS, Professor Pennington highlights the need for a robust force of environmental health officers and food safety officers to help minimise food poisoning outbreaks. His presentation covers the lessons to be learned for the outbreak of E coli O157 in South Wales in 2005 and the previous Central Scotland outbreak.