On Tuesday 23rd September over 350 guests helped celebrate the birth of the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) at a prestigious afternoon event at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. 

The launch represented the merger of the Royal Society of Health (RSH) and the Royal Institute of Public Health (RIPH) and marked the start of an exciting new chapter for the two organisations. Professor Richard Parish, Chief Executive of the new RSPH commented on the role of the future public health body:

“This merger reinforces the ever increasing contribution we are making to public health. Partnership working will be at the heart of the new RSPH’s work and we shall continue to develop strategic relationships with government bodies, like-minded public health organisations and the commercial sector to tackle today’s public health challenges."

The theme for the event was the ‘Future of Public Health’ with high profile speakers including: Dame Suzi Leather, Chair of the Charity Commission; Sir Derek Wanless, Chair of Northumbrian Water Group; Professor Mala Rao, former Head of the Public Health Workforce and Capacity at the Department of Health and Sir Ronald de Witt former Chief Executive of Her Majesty’s Court Service. Hazel Stuteley OBE also spoke about the impact of disadvantaged communities on public health.

Professor Alan Maryon-Davis, Inaugural Chair of the RSPH commented on the launch:

“It was a great event. We were delighted that so many of our public health partners, colleagues and of course our members were able to join us to celebrate this royal birth. Staff and council members have worked tirelessly to bring about this successful merger and are now ready to take the RSPH to the next level and make a significant impact to public health over the coming years."

The new organisation also celebrated the achievements of its top students and presented a number of prestigious awards at the event including the presentation of the RSPH gold medal to Dr Noel Olsen and the Health Promotion and Community Well-Being Organisation and Partnership Awards. 

Read more about our launch event >

Notes for editors

• The Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) is an independent, multi-disciplinary organisation, dedicated to the promotion and protection of collective human health and well-being. Through advocacy, mediation, empowerment, knowledge and practice we advise on policy development, provide education and training services, encourage scientific research, disseminate information and certify products, training centres and processes.
• The RSPH enjoys the patronage of Her Majesty the Queen.
• The RSPH is a registered charity. No 1125949.
• The RIPH and the RSH are two of the oldest public health bodies in the world, with over 150 years experience in protecting and promoting public health and legally merged on the 1st October 2008.