Royal Society for Public Health
Established in 1856, Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) is an independent campaigning and educational charity dedicated to improving and protecting the health of the public - both in the United Kingdom and around the world. Our Membership includes thousands of healthcare professionals, food safety specialists, environmental health experts, policy makers, academics, students and many other people from all walks of life, who share one thing in common - we care passionately about protecting the public`s health. To help fund our work - and safeguard our independent voice - we offer a variety of services that contribute in different ways to fulfilling our mission.
Company details
Find locations served, office locations
- Business Type:
- Professional association
- Industry Type:
- Medical / Health Care
- Market Focus:
- Globally (various continents)
About Us
These include educating people directly, Training them in their workplaces or schools, publishing our respected peer-reviewed journals (Public Health and Perspectives in Public Health) or by providing Accreditation for third-party health campaigns and training programmes. Significantly, we are also the UK's leading OFQUAL/CCEA and Qualifications Wales regulated Qualifications Awarding Organisation in the field of public health. Every day, hundreds of thousands of RSPH Qualified professionals fulfil vital roles - quietly and without fanfare - in communities the length and breadth of the country.
Whatever we do, we remain incredibly proud that, over the last 160 years, our work has had such a positive and lasting impact on the lives of many millions of people. As we adapt and evolve to meet the public health challenges of the 21st century, we hope that you - individuals, businesses, public organisations, academic institutions and our friends in the media - will work with us to fulfil our mission and share in our achievements.
The Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) is an independent health education charity and the world’s oldest public health body. Our vision is that every community, workplace and individual should have the opportunity to optimise their own health and wellbeing.
- Est. 1856 - the world's oldest public health body
- 40,000 Qualifications awarded annually
- A campaigning charity - with over 5,000 Members worldwide
What is the Royal Society for Public Health?
Find out who we are, a brief introduction to our Directors and Trustees, details of our Strategic Priorities and Partnerships, how to Leave us a Legacy and, finally, how to find us or get in touch.
Introduction to RSPH
Our Membership includes thousands of healthcare professionals, food safety specialists, environmental health experts, policy makers, academics, students and many other people from all walks of life, who share one thing in common - we care passionately about protecting the public's health.
To help fund our work - and safeguard our independent voice - we offer a variety of services that contribute in different ways to fulfilling our vision. Whether that involves educating people directly through our Qualifications, Training them in their workplaces or schools, publishing our respected peer-reviewed journals (Public Health and Perspectives in Public Health) or by providing Accreditation for third-party health campaigns and training programmes.
Whatever we do, we remain incredibly proud that, over the last 160 years, our work has had a positive and lasting impact on the lives of millions of people. And, as we adapt and evolve to meet the public health challenges of the 21st century, we hope that you - individuals, businesses, public organisations, academic institutions and our friends in the media - will work with us to fulfill our vision. And share in our achievements.
History of RSPH
- Royal Institute of Public Health (RIPH)
The RIPH’s origins date back to 1856 and the setting up of The Public Health Medical Society. In 1892, the society was incorporated as the British Institute of Public Health, and in 1897 when Queen Victoria became the patron, the name was changed to Royal Institute of Public Health. In 1937, it merged with the Institute of Hygiene (established in 1903).
- Royal Society of Health (RSH)
The Royal Society for the Promotion of Health was established in 1876 following the landmark Public Health Act of 1875. Previously known as the Sanitary Institute (1876-1904) and the Royal Sanitary Institute (1904–55), it was created during a period of great change within the areas of public health provision and sanitary reform to which it contributed significantly.
Our Strategic Plan
RSPH exists to ensure everyone can live a healthier and longer life
The Royal Society for Public Health is the oldest public health agency in the world. Established in 1856, we have over 150 years of experience in supporting the wider public health workforce through education, training, research and influencing and, more importantly, supporting the public’s health.
Our 2022 – 2027 strategic plan brings in the next chapter for the charity. We will continue to fulfil our role as established in the royal charter, but we will also go further and be bolder in our ambitions to support our members and to tackle the greatest challenges we currently face, such as the gross inequalities exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, and the cost of living crisis.
Our vision, voice, and practice will guide our work for the next five years, enabling us to deliver our high-quality services whilst being a strong and sound organisation, so we can impact the public’s health for many years to come.
Who We Are
Find out about our Board of Directors, our Vice Presidents and our Trustees. You'll also find details here about how the Royal Society for Public Health is governed.