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- Tasks: Lead public health initiatives, improve community health, and reduce health inequalities.
- Company: Surrey County Council is dedicated to enhancing the wellbeing of its residents.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work options, weekly pay, and a significant budget responsibility.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community health while collaborating with diverse partners.
- Qualifications: Must be included in GMC/GDC Specialist Register or UKPHR, with relevant public health experience.
- Other info: Work 40% in-office and 60% from home, with up to 10 direct reports.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
The Director of Public Health is the system leader for improving the health and wellbeing of residents, reducing inequalities in health outcomes and protecting local communities from public health hazards (infectious diseases and environmental threats). As such, the Director of Public Health is a statutory chief officer of the authority and the principal adviser on all health matters to elected members, officers and partners, with a leadership role spanning health improvement, health protection and healthcare public health.
Section 73A (1) of the NHS Act 2006, inserted by section 30 of the Health and Social Care Act 2012, gives the Director of Public Health and Communities responsibility for:
- All their local authority's duties to improve public health
- Any of the Secretary of State's public health protection or health improvement functions that s/he delegates to local authorities, either by arrangement or under regulations - these include services mandated by regulations made under section 6C of the 2006 Act, inserted by section 18 of the 2012 Act
- Exercising their local authority's functions in planning for, and responding to, emergencies that present a risk to public health
- Their local authority's role in co-operating with the police, the probation service and the prison service to assess the risks posed by violent or sexual offenders
- Such other public health functions as the Secretary of State specifies in regulations
- Producing an independent annual report on the health of local communities.
The fundamental purpose of the postholder is to provide the leadership to drive improvements in the health and wellbeing of the residents of Surrey County Council, to reduce inequalities in health outcomes and working in collaboration with UKHSA to protect local communities from threats to their health through infectious diseases, environmental and other public health hazards.
Be the chief officer and principal adviser on public health to the Council, local communities and local partners. Operate strategically as a member of the corporate management/executive board and across the Council influencing policy and practice. To lead on embedding Public Health within the whole Surrey system positively working with partners to ensure the health and well-being of Surrey residents is maximised to its full potential.
Dimensions
- Financial: Direct responsibility for Public Health (circa £40 million) budget. To be accountable for the budget including reporting on the use of the public health ring fenced grant.
- Direct reports: Up to 10 Direct Reports
Person Specification
Education, training and work qualifications Inclusion in the GMC Specialist Register/GDC Specialist List or UK Public Health Register (UKPHR) or within 6 months of gaining entry at the date of interview. If included in the GMC/GDC Specialist Register in a specialty other than public health medicine/dental public health, candidates must have equivalent training and/or appropriate experience of public health medicine practice.
High level of understanding of epidemiology and statistics, public health practice, health promotion, health economics and health care evaluation. Full understanding of and commitment to addressing relationships and cultures of organisations that impact on the wider determinants of health. Demonstrable understanding of the changing role of local authorities, the issues facing local government and the wider economy and how they impact relevant service areas. Knowledge of methods of developing clinical quality assurance, quality improvement and evidence based clinical and/or public health practice. In-depth knowledge of local communities and better working between the public and local organisations. Understanding of social and political environment. Understanding of interfaces between health and social care and wider integration agenda.
Hybrid work
40 percent office/meetings - Surrey Area then rest from home. Weekly pay. Inside IR35 - Paid via umbrella company.
How to Apply or for more Information:
3 simple ways to apply or get in touch: Apply directly online via the Matchtech website. Call Callum Laycock directly on (phone number removed). Email your CV to.
Contact Detail:
Matchtech Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Public Health
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in public health and local government. Attend relevant conferences or seminars where you can meet key players in the field, as personal connections can often lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on current public health issues and policies, especially those affecting Surrey. Being knowledgeable about local challenges will help you demonstrate your commitment and understanding during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership experience and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight specific examples of how you've driven public health initiatives or improved health outcomes in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the financial aspects of public health management, particularly budget accountability. Be ready to discuss how you would manage the £40 million budget effectively while ensuring optimal health services for the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Public Health
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Director of Public Health position. Familiarise yourself with public health policies, local authority functions, and the specific challenges faced by Surrey County Council.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience in public health leadership, budget management, and collaboration with local authorities. Emphasise your understanding of epidemiology, health promotion, and your ability to influence policy and practice.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should clearly articulate your passion for public health and your vision for improving health outcomes in Surrey. Address how your skills and experiences align with the job requirements and demonstrate your commitment to reducing health inequalities.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your documents for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and professional, as this reflects your attention to detail and communication skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at Matchtech
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before your interview, make sure you have a deep understanding of the responsibilities and expectations of the Director of Public Health role. Familiarise yourself with public health policies, local health statistics, and the specific challenges faced by Surrey County Council.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
As a chief officer, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership skills. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or initiatives, particularly in public health or related fields. Highlight your ability to influence policy and practice within an organisation.
✨Discuss Collaboration and Partnerships
The role requires working closely with various stakeholders, including local authorities and health organisations. Be ready to discuss how you've built effective partnerships in the past and how you plan to engage with different communities and organisations to improve public health outcomes.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world public health scenarios. Think about potential public health threats and how you would respond, as well as strategies for reducing health inequalities. This will showcase your critical thinking and strategic planning skills.
