At a Glance
- Tasks: Complete an e-portfolio showcasing your public health skills over 11 months.
- Company: Join the Thames Valley Public Health Practitioner Development Program.
- Benefits: Gain mentorship, attend masterclasses, and enhance your public health expertise.
- Other info: Collaborative learning environment with support from experienced mentors.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public health while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: 2 years of public health experience and commitment to the programme.
The predicted salary is between 30414 - 36989 £ per year.
About the Thames Valley Practitioner Development Scheme
Practitioners successfully accepted on to the scheme will over the course of 11 months submit an e-portfolio comprising of 3 discrete pieces of work with evidence that demonstrates their knowledge, understanding and application mapping all 34 UKPHR Practitioner Standards. The Thames Valley Scheme supports practitioners through the provision of 1 induction and 4 portfolio development groups, facilitated by Oxford Brookes University. The scheme will assign each practitioner to a mentor who is a registered public health practitioner. Individuals will be required to attend 5 Public Health Masterclasses run by London South Bank University. The individual will be expected to submit their completed e-portfolio at the completion date defined by the scheme. Interested applicants should carefully consider the amount of work involved and the amount of personal time expected to be able to meet deadlines.
The portfolio of evidence will be reviewed by UKPHR trained assessors and verified by a panel to inform a recommendation to the UKPHR.
Selection criteria
- Employment within the Thames Valley geographical area (Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Milton Keynes). For those working outside the area, please see UKPHR for your local scheme.
- Approximately 2 years’ public health experience, usually having occupied a public health practitioner post at NHS Agenda for Change band 5 – 7 or equivalent in other sectors operating at Level 5.
- Self‑assessment against the Public Health Practitioner Standards. Applicants must be able to demonstrate a broad range of relevant experience.
- A signed commitment to completing a portfolio against the Public Health Practitioner Standards for Registration in the timescale specified and full participation in all elements of the scheme.
- A signed commitment from the line manager for active support and encouragement through practitioner attendance at the induction, learning sets, writing time for portfolio development, relevant CPD events, and progress reviews to address development needs, to a maximum of 8 days in the period specified.
An external evaluation of the scheme was carried out in 2016. A further external evaluation was done for the 2021 scheme and is available here. One of the recommendations of the 2021 evaluation was to respond to recipients following their feedback. The Thames Valley Scheme would like to thank the assessors, verifiers and mentors for taking the time to complete the survey and your ongoing support.
Thames Valley Public Health Practitioner Development Program employer: Oxford School of Public Health (OxSPH)
The Thames Valley Practitioner Development Scheme offers a unique opportunity for public health practitioners to enhance their skills and knowledge in a supportive environment. With access to expert mentorship, comprehensive masterclasses, and a structured portfolio development process, employees can expect significant professional growth while contributing to the health of their communities in the beautiful Thames Valley area. The collaborative work culture fosters continuous learning and development, making it an excellent choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
Contact Details:
Oxford School of Public Health (OxSPH) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Thames Valley Public Health Practitioner Development Program
✨Get Involved in Local Health Initiatives
Jump into local health initiatives or volunteer at community health events. This kind of hands-on experience not only looks fab on your CV but also gets you in touch with industry professionals who might point you in the direction of trainee opportunities.
✨Leverage Your University’s Resources
Utilise your university's career services; they often have connections to health sciences organisations that offer trainee positions. Don't be shy—set up a meeting to chat about your interests; they can provide tailored advice and possibly even direct introductions.
✨Engage with Professional Bodies
Join professional health sciences bodies like the Institute of Health Services Management. They often provide networking events, seminars, and newsletters listing trainee roles that aren’t widely advertised. It’s a great way to get a foot in the door.
✨Be Open to Informal Interactions
Don’t underestimate informal chats with professionals in the field. Whether it's a quick coffee or a casual LinkedIn message, expressing your enthusiasm for health sciences can lead to unexpected trainee opportunities. Remember, applying through our website is still a great way to get noticed!
We think you need these skills to ace Thames Valley Public Health Practitioner Development Program
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Coursework:When you're putting together your CV, make sure to include any relevant health sciences courses you've taken. This can show that you're not just interested in the field, but that you've got the academic background to back it up. Also, don’t forget to mention any projects or assignments that link to health administration.
Showcase Your Motivation and Learning Potential:In your cover letter, let us know why you want this trainee position specifically at Oxford School of Public Health (OxSPH). Share what draws you to health sciences administration and how you see this opportunity helping you grow. We’re looking for passion and a willingness to learn, so don’t hold back!
Include Relevant Experience:If you have any work experience, even if it's voluntary or part-time, make sure it finds a spot on your CV. Anything related to healthcare settings, administration, or customer service can demonstrate your ability to thrive in this field. We value real-world experience!
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While we appreciate professionalism in your application, don’t forget to inject a bit of your personality too! Use your cover letter to tell us who you are beyond your qualifications. This is your chance to connect on a human level with us at Oxford School of Public Health (OxSPH).
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford School of Public Health (OxSPH)
✨Show Your Passion for Health Sciences
Since this is a trainee position within health sciences administration, we want to show how genuinely enthusiastic you are about the field. Take some time to brush up on current trends, policies, or challenges in health administration. Being able to discuss these topics will really set you apart and show that you're not just looking for any job, but that you have a specific interest in this sector.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Interviews for trainee roles often involve behavioural questions to gauge how you handle various situations. Think of examples from past experiences—like teamwork, problem-solving, or communication—in contexts relevant to health administration. Using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) can help structure your responses effectively.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Health Administration Tools
While this is a trainee role, it's beneficial to have a basic understanding of the tools and software commonly used in health sciences administration, like Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems. Mentioning any experience or familiarity with these tools during your interview could demonstrate your readiness to jump in and learn more quickly.
✨Express Your Learning Goals
This trainee role is all about growth! Think about what specific skills or knowledge you aim to gain from Oxford School of Public Health (OxSPH). During the interview, share your learning goals and ask how they support their trainees in developing professionally. This shows you're proactive and eager to make the most of this opportunity.
