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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative health programmes and tackle health inequalities across Central Bedfordshire.
- Company: Central Bedfordshire Council, committed to improving population health.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in community health and drive impactful change.
- Qualifications: Degree in Public Health or related field; leadership experience required.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on collaboration and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Overview
Hours: 37 hours per week. Location: You will be expected to attend a CBC office location as often as needed to carry out your role, which will be no less than once per month. Contract Type: Hybrid – Permanent. Closing Date: 5th October 2025. Interview Date: 21st or 24th October 2025. About the Role: Are you a visionary leader with a passion for improving population health and reducing inequalities? Central Bedfordshire Council is seeking a dynamic Head of Service – Public Health to lead our innovative Choose You service, which operates across Central Bedfordshire, Bedford Borough, and Milton Keynes. As Head of Service, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for a range of public health programmes, ensuring high-quality, evidence-based services that deliver equitable health outcomes. You and your team will play a key role in shaping the future of public health across our shared service area, driving transformation, performance improvement, and system-wide collaboration.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the delivery of health improvement, prevention, and community health programmes.
- Develop and implement long-term strategies to tackle health inequalities.
- Represent the shared public health service in multi-agency partnerships and forums.
- Oversee service performance, quality assurance, and clinical governance.
- Manage and develop public health teams, including two senior managers.
- Ensure financial sustainability through effective budget and contract management.
- Champion co-production and community engagement in service design and delivery.
- Deputise for the Deputy Director and Director of Public Health as required.
Qualifications
- A degree in Public Health, Health Management, or a related field (MPH desirable).
- Proven experience in leading public health or community health services.
- Strong strategic and operational leadership and problem-solving skills.
- Deep understanding of health inequalities, behaviour change, and population health.
- Excellent communication and partnership-building abilities.
Working Arrangements
Standard working 37 hours: Monday to Friday, with flexibility based on business needs.
Travel: Limited, but required across Central Bedfordshire, Bedford Borough, and Milton Keynes.
Health & Safety: Regular use of visual display equipment.
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Head of Service Health Improvement employer: Central Bedfordshire Council
Contact Detail:
Central Bedfordshire Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Service Health Improvement
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in public health and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. Attend relevant events or webinars where you can meet potential employers and showcase your passion for improving population health.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Central Bedfordshire Council and their health initiatives. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with their goals, especially around tackling health inequalities and community engagement.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've led teams or projects in public health. Highlight your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities to demonstrate that you're the right fit for the Head of Service role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our innovative team at Central Bedfordshire Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Service Health Improvement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in public health and leadership. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Head of Service - Public Health, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Show Your Passion: In your written application, let your enthusiasm for improving population health shine through. We’re looking for someone who’s not just qualified but genuinely passionate about making a difference in health inequalities. Share your vision and what drives you!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Central Bedfordshire Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and challenges in public health, especially around health inequalities. Familiarise yourself with Central Bedfordshire Council's current initiatives and how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your strategic and operational leadership abilities. Think about times when you've successfully led a team or project, particularly in public health settings, and be ready to discuss these during the interview.
✨Engage with Community Focus
Since community engagement is key for this role, come prepared with ideas on how to champion co-production in service design. Share any past experiences where you've effectively involved communities in health programmes.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about their long-term strategies for tackling health inequalities or how they measure the success of their health improvement programmes.