At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful public health programmes and improve population health in Reading.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking Public Health Team at Reading Borough Council.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, flexible working, pension scheme, and life assurance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in reducing health inequalities and enhancing community wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Degree in Public Health or relevant experience required.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are key; hybrid working options available.
The predicted salary is between 43300 - 48700 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced and professionally competent Advanced Public Health Practitioner to join our forward-thinking Public Health Team within Adult Social Care. Are you passionate about reducing health inequalities and improving population health? Do you have the leadership, expertise, and drive to shape and deliver impactful public health programmes across Reading?
We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities. We support hybrid working; it is important to us that working arrangements are designed to enable our employees to excel and within this role you will have the opportunity to work in a way that suits your lifestyle.
About The Role:
As an Advanced Public Health Practitioner, you will take a lead role in the design, delivery, and evaluation of evidence-based public health programmes with a focus on Public Mental Health. You will provide professional expertise and advice to support the Council's public health priorities, working closely with colleagues, partners, and communities to address the wider determinants of health.
As a line manager, you will lead on the Public Mental Health area within the team's portfolio, using data, intelligence, and research to inform strategies and ensure interventions deliver effective prevention and measurable improvements to population health. You will also contribute to the development of key policies, partnerships, and commissioning decisions that shape the future of the public's health in Reading.
About You:
As an experienced Public Health professional, you will bring sound public health knowledge, analytical skills, and experience in developing and implementing programmes that lead to change. You will be confident working across organisational boundaries, engaging with a wide range of stakeholders including NHS partners, voluntary sector organisations, and community groups.
We are looking for someone who can combine technical expertise with strong communication and influencing skills - someone who can translate evidence into action and inspire others to play their part in removing the barriers to good health and wellbeing for everyone who lives and works in Reading.
You will also bring:
- A degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. Public Health, Health Promotion, or similar) and/or significant professional experience in a public health role
- A thorough understanding of public health principles, frameworks, and the current policy context
- Strong analytical and report-writing skills, with the ability to interpret and present complex data
- Experience of project management and partnership working
- The ability to work autonomously while contributing to team priorities
You will be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you will also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.
Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
- Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do
- Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential
- Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance - striving to be even better - and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way
- Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed
Our Offer:
A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
- On-site day nursery (Kennet Day Nursery - at the Civic Offices) rated outstanding by Ofsted
- Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax
To arrange a confidential discussion on this position please contact Zoe Campbell - Public Health Principal (Children).
Closing Date: Wednesday 13th November 2025
Interview Date: Provisional interview date Thursday 18th and Friday 19th December 2025
Interviews Setup: Interviews to be held at the Civic Offices in Reading.
Salary range: £50,269 - £56,730 per year
Advanced Public Health Practitioner in Reading employer: Reading Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Reading Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Advanced Public Health Practitioner in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the public health sector. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its public health initiatives. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around reducing health inequalities. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re passionate about making a difference in Reading!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You should be able to clearly articulate your skills and experiences that make you the perfect fit for the Advanced Public Health Practitioner role. Keep it concise and impactful – think of it as your personal brand statement.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our recruitment process.
We think you need these skills to ace Advanced Public Health Practitioner in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in public health, especially in areas like Public Mental Health. We want to see how your skills align with our mission to reduce health inequalities in Reading.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As an Advanced Public Health Practitioner, you'll be leading projects and teams. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership experience and how you've successfully managed public health programmes in the past.
Be Data Savvy: We love candidates who can interpret and present complex data. Include examples of how you've used data to inform strategies or improve health outcomes in your previous roles. This will show us you're ready to make a difference!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to join our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Know Your Public Health Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest public health principles and frameworks. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role, especially in areas like Public Mental Health. This shows you're not just knowledgeable but also genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a line manager, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past, particularly those that involved collaboration across different organisations. Highlight your ability to inspire and influence others.
✨Data is Your Best Friend
Since the role involves using data to inform strategies, be prepared to discuss specific instances where you've used data analysis to drive decisions. Bring examples of reports you've written or presentations you've delivered that showcase your analytical skills.
✨Engage with the Community
This position requires working closely with various stakeholders, including community groups. Think of ways you've engaged with communities in the past and be ready to share these experiences. It’s all about showing that you can connect with people and understand their needs.