Director of Public Health

at  Buckinghamshire Council

OVERVIEW

Buckinghamshire Council is seeking a visionary and strategic leader to join our team as the Director of Public Health. This pivotal role is dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of our residents, reducing health inequalities, and safeguarding the community from public health hazards.
We are looking for a candidate who is not only qualified and experienced but also passionate about making a tangible difference in people’s lives. If you are ready to take on this challenging and rewarding role, we encourage you to apply and join us in shaping a healthier future for Buckinghamshire.

ABOUT US

Buckinghamshire Council is a relatively new organisation that combines the strengths and expertise of the previous five councils in the county to create positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are firmly focused on the future and have made a clear commitment to serve residents better and to provide stronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally.
For further information about this opportunity at Buckinghamshire Council please click here: Director Public Health - 1

OUR VALUES AND CULTURE

We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are – Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.

By joining us, you can expect:

• a fair and inclusive culture
• the chance to really make a difference to those around you
• health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
• a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group
• ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us
• opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events

We know that our biggest strength comes from the people that work for us, and that’s why we’re working hard to ensure we continue to be an accessible and inclusive organisation.
From dedicated staff networks overseen by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, to proudly standing as a Disability Confident employer, it’s important to us that all our colleagues feel engaged, listened to, and valued. Our offer of flexible working empowers a productive and happy workforce and allows employees to combine work with other responsibilities and commitments.
We believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we service in Buckinghamshire, and are looking for like-minded individuals to join us in promoting equality, fairness, and inclusion for everyone.

ABOUT THE SERVICE AREA

Buckinghamshire is an exciting place to work and a beautiful place to live. It has a population of more than 500,000 and although generally healthy and wealthy, there are significant public health challenges and inequalities across the county. The Council is now a unitary authority, which enhances our ability to address the broader determinants of health.
Good health is vital to the social and economic success of an area. It contributes to safe, strong, cohesive happy communities, educational attainment and the ability to find and remain in employment. In turn, this reduces demand on children and adult social care services and healthcare services.
Our Public Health service works with communities and colleagues in the NHS, voluntary sector and other partners to co-design approaches, building on the assets of communities to develop solutions and provide equal access to all residents. Some of the ways we do this are by supporting mental health, improving access to healthy, affordable food through a range of growing schemes, and our Active Communities program. We are looking for people who share our values of looking after the wellbeing of our residents and engaging with our communities about delivering the best solutions for them

The Director of Public Health at Buckinghamshire Council holds a critical role with a wide range of responsibilities aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of residents. These responsibilities require the Director to be a visible leader, inspiring innovative solutions for sustained improvements in health and wellbeing while maintaining the confidence of Councillors and the government. Some of the key responsibilities include;
System Leadership: As the system leader, the Director is responsible for improving the health and wellbeing of residents, reducing health inequalities, and protecting communities from public health hazards. They are the principal adviser on health matters to elected members, officers, and partners, with a leadership role spanning health improvement, health protection, and healthcare public health. Supporting the Council’s strategic agenda and influence policy and practice across the Council, ensuring scientific principles are applied to assessing needs, exploring interventions, and assessing progress.
Statutory Functions: Responsibility for all local authority duties to improve public health, delegated public health protection or health improvement functions from the Secretary of State, planning for and responding to public health emergencies, and cooperating with law enforcement for community safety.
Resource Management: Manage the public health budget, ensuring efficient use of resources, and leading public health professionals.
Collaboration and Advocacy: Building strong relationships with senior leaders, advocating for public health, and working collaboratively to deliver health and wellbeing strategies are also part of their role.
Professional Development: Support continuous professional development and training for public health professionals.