Public Health Specialist, Health Improvement

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Public Health team at Swindon Borough Council (SBC) and contribute to a wide range of programmes designed to improve the health and wellbeing of the local population and reduce inequalities.

We are looking for a dedicated Public Health Specialist to join our team in Swindon. You will be responsible for leading the strategic direction of the Healthy Weight and Physical Activity agendas and will provide a specialist approach to reflect both national and local priorities, with the emphasis on prevention and reducing health inequalities. As Public Health Specialist you will work within a complex multi-agency environment and work closely with statutory, non-statutory and voluntary agencies, requiring you to foster strong stakeholder relationships.

You will have the ability to analyse and interpret complex data and inform effective decision making. You will also be responsible for commissioning services, management of budgets and line management responsibility of Public Health Practitioners.

Your next role

As a Public Health Specialist for Healthy Weight and Physical Activity, you will plan and lead on the strategic direction of these two portfolio areas. This will involve the development, implementation, evaluation and reporting of our key strategies and commissioned services to the relevant boards. You will also be responsible for advocating and influencing change across the system, recognising the impact of the commercial and wider determinants of health, working alongside those who have the capability to enact change.

You must be fluent in the English language (as a requirement of Part 7 of the Immigration Act “for the effective performance of a customer-facing role”).

You will need a degree in a relevant field, Public Health, Health Science or epidemiology to apply for this role.

Please note Swindon Borough Council terms and conditions apply to this role.

Responsibilities of the role include:

• Needs Assessment and Planning: Conduct comprehensive needs assessments to identify and prioritise public health challenges related to healthy weight and physical activity. Develop and implement strategies to address these needs.
• Evidence-Based Decision Making: Utilise data and evidence to inform decision-making and programme development.
• Partnership Development: Foster collaborative relationships with local partners, healthcare providers, and community organisations to advance healthy weight and physical activity initiatives.
• Programme Design: Develop and implement innovative programmes and interventions that promote healthy weight and physical activity.
• Evaluation and Improvement: Continuously evaluate programme effectiveness and make necessary adjustments to optimise outcomes.
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks associated with programme implementation.
• Service Procurement: Commission services and contracts related to healthy weight and physical activity, ensuring they align with strategic goals and quality standards.
• Contract Management: Oversee contract performance, monitor outcomes, and manage relationships with service providers.
• Mentorship and Supervision: Provide guidance and support to team members, fostering their professional development.
• Collaboration: Promote teamwork and collaboration within the Public Health team and with external partners.
• Knowledge Sharing: Disseminate information and resources related to healthy weight and physical activity to relevant stakeholders.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with community members, policymakers, and other stakeholders to advocate for healthy weight and physical activity initiatives.
• Communication: Effectively communicate public health messages and information to diverse audiences.
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated on the latest research, evidence, and best practices in public health, particularly related to healthy weight and physical activity.

You must have:

• Proven experience in public health programme development, implementation and evaluation.
• Experience working in the field of public health or related area.
• Strong understanding of healthy weight and physical activity issues locally and nationally.
• Experience in commissioning services and managing budgets.
• Experience in working with diverse communities.
• Knowledge of local government and healthcare systems.
• Understanding of epidemiology and statistics, public health practice, health promotion, health economics and health care evaluation.
• Proven experience in public health programme development, implementation and evaluation.
• Experience working in the field of public health or related area.
• Strong understanding of healthy weight and physical activity issues locally and nationally.
• Experience in commissioning services and managing budgets.
• Experience in working with diverse communities.
• Knowledge of local government and healthcare systems.
• Understanding of epidemiology and statistics, public health practice, health promotion, health economics and health care evaluation.

Desirable skills include a post graduate qualification in a subject directly relevant to statistics/epidemiology/public health information or in a scientific discipline.

Please see role profile attached for full details.

Your next package

Please see our Rewards and Benefits offer for more details.

As an employee, you will receive a diverse and exciting environment in which to work, encouraging creativity and innovation whilst recognising the need to support ongoing personal development and a flexible work life balance.

For Swindon to thrive in the future, we need to lay the foundations now. It’s why our regeneration and transformation programmes are already underway. So, you’ll be joining us at an exciting time on our journey. We’ll look to you to share your knowledge, influence decisions and drive real, positive change. With your contributions, we’ll achieve our vision of a prosperous, re-vitalised Swindon together. And you’ll be proud to say it was made better with you.

Please see our Vision and Values page for more details.

Please see our new Swindon Plan.

Potential applicants are sometimes put off if they don’t meet 100% of the requirements. We think individual experience, skills and passion make all the difference, so if you meet the majority of the criteria, we’d love to hear from you.

Your next steps

Read the role profile and select the Apply button where you will be redirected to the NHS Jobs to complete the online application process.

For further information about the role please contact Lewis Bird, Public Health Principal – Health Improvement and Health Inequalities at LBird@swindon.gov.uk.

As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from a diverse range of communities, and in particular disabled people and people from ethnic minorities. Read our statement of commitment to equality & inclusion.

All applications for this position are being handled through NHS Jobs. Please visit the NHS Jobs website for application details. NHS Ref No: F0065-24-RNR002432