Royal Society for Public Health

The Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) is an independent, multi-disciplinary charity dedicated to the improvement of the public’s health and wellbeing. Formed in October 2008 with the merger of the Royal Society of Health and the Royal Institute of Public Health, it helps inform policy and practice, working to educate, empower and support communities and individuals to live healthily. Its vision is that everyone has the opportunity to optimise their health and wellbeing.

RSPH's Chief Executive is Shirley Cramer CBE, while the current president is Lord Hunt of King's Heath; current vice presidents are Baroness Cumberlege, Baroness Massey of Darwen, and Lord Patel of Bradford. It has a Royal Charter, with Her Majesty the Queen as its Patron, and is governed by a Council of Trustees, all of whom are RSPH members.

History

The Royal Society of Health, also known as 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.