Public Health Strategist in London

Focused on making an impact. The Islington Public Health Department is seeking to appoint a Public Health Strategist. The role will provide advice and support across the broad spectrum of public health, with a particular focus on the health protection and health in all policies portfolios.

The post holder will have a major input into work on the development of public health policies, projects and programmes in liaison with colleagues and partner organisations. The post will support the equitable, and evidence-based, delivery of priorities set out by Islington’s Health and Wellbeing Board.

The public health challenges of working to address the diverse needs of the population and communities across the borough are significant. As a Public Health Strategist, you will work collaboratively with a range of partner organisations and make an important contribution to the development of work to reduce health inequalities and improve the health and wellbeing of the local population.

You will bring a range of public health competencies to the department. You should be able to demonstrate:

• A suitable postgraduate qualification in public health or equivalent;
• Experience of working in a public health role and collaborating effectively with different services and organisations across the health system;
• A high level of understanding of the wider determinants of health and the levers available in local authorities to influence them;
• Strong communication, negotiating and project management skills;
• A good understanding of the public health statutory responsibilities of the local authority in relation to health improvement, health protection and supporting NHS commissioners around health care provision;
• A strong commitment to tackling health inequalities and a passion to make a difference.

The Public Health team is a fundamental part of both the local authority and the local health and social care system. You will join a supportive, ambitious, dynamic team delivering programmes that tackle health inequalities across all aspects of life in Islington, enabling our residents to live better, longer, healthier lives.

Our team lives by our CARE values: Collaborative, Ambitious, Resourceful, and Empowering. These aren’t just words, but principles that guide our work every day. As a Public Health Strategist, you’ll be an integral part of this team, working together to make a difference for Islington residents. You’ll collaborate with diverse teams, contribute to ambitious projects, use your resourcefulness, and feel empowered to make decisions.

Become a key player in our Public Health team. Apply now and bring your expertise to projects that truly matter!

For further information or for an informal conversation about the post, please contact: Name: Charlotte Ashton Email: [email protected] Closing date midnight on Monday 3rd August 2026 Indicative interview date: 20th or 21st August 2026.

Note to Recruitment Agencies: We kindly ask that recruitment agencies do not contact us regarding this vacancy. We are managing the recruitment process internally and will reach out directly should we require external support. Thank you for your understanding.

About You Working for the team, service and our organisation. Islington is a place rich with diversity and culture. As a council our sense of purpose couldn’t be clearer: we serve. It’s in the logo. We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Together we can change the future. We are determined to create a more equal Islington, where everyone who lives here has an equal chance to thrive.

To do this, everyone who works at Islington Council lives by a set of values which guide us in everything that we do: collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering. They spell out ‘CARE’, which is what we think public service is all about.

Our offer to you: We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Our staff benefits include:

• Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service;
• A range of flexible working arrangements to maintain a healthy work-life balance, as well as a 35-hour working week;
• Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential;
• Competitive pay and a commitment to paying all staff the London Living Wage at minimum;
• Excellent local government pension scheme;
• Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships;
• Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more!

Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Islington Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.

Workforce Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement: We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable workforce, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Our workforce strategy places equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do, reaffirming our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel they belong and can safely express their thoughts, ideas, and challenges, without fear of judgement or discrimination.

We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to any unlawful discrimination, harassment, or victimisation on the grounds of any protected characteristics under the 2010 Equality Act, including but not limited to race, disability, sexual orientation, sex, religion and belief, age, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity. Any incidents of discrimination will be promptly investigated and addressed in line with our HR policies to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all colleagues.

We use data to identify and address disparities, ensuring that our policies and practices are transparent and impactful in promoting a diverse representation of backgrounds and perspectives at all levels of the organisation. We look at inequality through an intersectional lens, recognising that different aspects of someone’s identity can combine to create unique experiences of discrimination and disadvantage.

We know that advancing diversity and inclusion is a continuous journey, and we must listen to our colleagues and learn where we can further improve. We work closely with our Colleague Forums and Trade Unions, supported by active allies from our Corporate Management Team, to monitor and evaluate our practices, identify barriers, and empower colleagues to promote equality and inclusion in the workplace.

Every one of us has a role to play in making Islington Council a truly inclusive workplace. By living out our CARE (collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering) values every day and embedding the principles of equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work, we can all actively contribute to empowering people and creating a more equal Islington.

Pre‑Employment Checks: Any offer of employment will be subject to the successful completion of required pre‑employment checks. These may include:

• Proof of address;
• Evidence of any name changes (if applicable);
• Right to work in the UK;
• Overseas criminal record check (if applicable);
• Satisfactory references;
• Occupational Health clearance;
• Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations;
• DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable).

Safeguarding: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff, and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts are subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Disability Confident Scheme: Islington Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria and we are committed to providing support to applicants who request reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process and throughout their career with us.