At a Glance
- Tasks: Improve community health and wellbeing through hands-on public health projects.
- Company: Local Authority Public Health team in East Sussex, dedicated to community health.
- Benefits: Structured development programme, hybrid working, travel reimbursement, and diverse benefits.
- Other info: Unique opportunity for career growth with support and training in public health.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local communities while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Degree in public health or related field; experience in health improvement roles.
Are you passionate about wanting to improve the health and wellbeing of local communities in East Sussex, and have a degree in a Public Health related subject? If so, then this exciting development opportunity may be for you. The Local Authority Public Health team in East Sussex are going to be recruiting a Public Health Practitioner Graduate Trainee to start work on 7th September 2026. This will be a 2.5 year fixed term contract.
During the 2.5 years the trainee(s) post will be based in the Public Health team in Lewes, East Sussex, where you will gain hands-on experience of public health delivery. You will be supported to undertake a structured development programme, building on your existing knowledge through further training and education to broaden your knowledge, understanding and application across all domains of public health. There will be the opportunity to undertake placements and/or projects to gain a broad understanding across the three domains of public health and undertake the UK Public Health Register (UKPHR) Public Health Practitioner registration process to become a registered Public Health Practitioner.
The office base for the Public Health team is County Hall, Lewes, and the successful candidate will be required to attend monthly team meetings and other key meetings in Lewes. The role is county wide and will work in a hybrid way comprising ability to work from home and a range of council office bases across East Sussex, including Hastings, Eastbourne & Lewes. The training programme will also require travel to specific development days in London and other parts of the South East, for which travel costs will be reimbursed.
We are looking for candidates who:
- have a degree or post graduate qualification in public health or related discipline.
- have experience in a post related to public health e.g. that aimed to improve health in either a local authority, NHS or the voluntary and community sector.
- are able to organise/prioritise work, co-ordinate a variety of tasks in a clear and logical way and meet agreed deadlines that minimise the disruption to the business.
- are able to develop positive partnership ways of working, with a range of stakeholders.
- are able to communicate effectively with a range of people in a clear, concise and accurate manner, changing messages to suit different audiences.
It is vital that the public health workforce reflects and includes our local communities. Therefore, we are particularly keen to receive applications from:
- People with experience of living or working in East Sussex, particularly in coastal or rural communities.
- People with experience of, or links with, communities who have increased risk of experiencing poorer health.
- People from groups who are underrepresented in the public health workforce.
To apply for this role please click the ‘Apply Now’ button above, where you can submit your CV and a supporting statement. When writing your supporting statement, please explain how you meet all the criteria (essential and desirable) in the person specification, drawing on any relevant work or life experience, education or personal interests. All of these details will be used to short list for interview.
Interviews will take place in person at County Hall, Lewes on 01 July 2026 and 02 July 2026. If you are unavailable on these dates then please let us know and we may be able to schedule an alternative date to interview you. Successful applicants will receive their invite to interview no later than 12 June 2026. Candidates who meet certain criteria are given priority when we shortlist.
This is a unique opportunity that offers a structured education and support programme and practical work experience, so that you can develop and progress a rewarding and fulfilling career in Public Health, enabling you to make a real difference in improving the health and wellbeing of people living in East Sussex. We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment.
You can find out further information about this fantastic development role opportunity by joining the information webinar being held via MS Teams on Thursday 28th May 3pm - 4pm.
For an informal discussion about this opportunity contact Hayley Martin, Health Improvement Principal at hayley.martin@eastsussex.gov.uk to request a MS teams call or phone call.
Public Health Practitioner – Graduate in Lewes employer: East Sussex County Council
Join the Local Authority Public Health team in East Sussex, where you will not only gain invaluable hands-on experience but also benefit from a structured development programme designed to enhance your skills and knowledge in public health. Our supportive work culture prioritises employee growth, offering opportunities for placements and projects across diverse communities, all while making a meaningful impact on local health and wellbeing. With a hybrid working model and reimbursement for travel costs, this role provides a unique chance to develop a fulfilling career in a vibrant and community-focused environment.
Contact Details:
East Sussex County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Public Health Practitioner – Graduate in Lewes
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Public Health team in East Sussex! Research their projects and initiatives, and think about how your background fits in. This will help you tailor your conversations during networking or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t just rely on your CV; practice your interview skills! Mock interviews with friends or family can help you articulate your passion for public health and your understanding of local community needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Join the information webinar! It’s a great way to learn more about the role and ask questions directly. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm and commitment to the position.
✨Tip Number 4
When you apply through our website, make sure your supporting statement highlights your relevant experiences. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to work with diverse communities and improve health outcomes.
We think you need these skills to ace Public Health Practitioner – Graduate in Lewes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:Make sure to customise your supporting statement to highlight how you meet the essential and desirable criteria in the person specification. Use specific examples from your experience that relate directly to public health, as this will help us see your fit for the role.
Show Your Passion for Public Health:Let your enthusiasm for improving community health shine through! Share any relevant experiences or projects that demonstrate your commitment to public health, especially those that connect with local communities in East Sussex.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your messages are easy to understand. This will show us that you can communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders, which is key in public health.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website by clicking the ‘Apply Now’ button! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your CV and supporting statement, and we want to make this process as smooth as possible for you.
How to prepare for a job interview at East Sussex County Council
✨Know Your Public Health Stuff
Make sure you brush up on key public health concepts and current issues affecting local communities, especially in East Sussex. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your passion and knowledge during the interview.
✨Tailor Your Supporting Statement
When writing your supporting statement, be specific about how your experiences align with the job criteria. Use examples from your education or any relevant work experience that demonstrate your ability to improve health outcomes in communities.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Since effective communication is crucial for this role, practice explaining complex public health ideas in simple terms. You might be asked to adapt your message for different audiences, so being clear and concise is key.
✨Show Your Community Connection
Highlight any personal or professional links you have with East Sussex or similar communities. This could include volunteer work, internships, or even personal experiences that give you insight into the health challenges faced by these populations.
