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- Tasks: Lead population health initiatives and drive improvements in health outcomes across Sefton.
- Company: Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council, a forward-thinking council focused on community health.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, permanent contract, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Shape public health strategy and influence policy for diverse communities.
- Qualifications: Qualified public health professional with leadership experience in complex systems.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and community-driven approaches.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.
Employer: Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council
Salary: HAY 3 - £99,453 per annum
Location: Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council, Magdalen House
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full Time
Hours: 36 hours per week.
Closing Date: 01/03/2026 at 23:59
Reference: PHW/26/330872
Lead Population Health in Sefton
This is an exciting opportunity to take on a statutory, system-wide leadership role in a forward-looking council committed to prevention, neighbourhood health and reducing inequalities. As Director of Public Health (DPH), you will be Sefton Council’s principal advisor on population health, providing professional leadership across the authority and the wider health and care system. Reporting to the Executive Director for Adult Social Care, Health & Wellbeing, you will be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, shaping strategy, influencing policy and driving measurable improvements in health outcomes.
Sefton is recognised as a Neighbourhood Pioneer, championing community-driven approaches that put people and place at the heart of public services. Public Health plays a central role in delivering the Council’s Core Purpose and Sefton 2030 Vision.
The Role
- Fulfil the statutory duties of the Director of Public Health under the Health and Social Care Act 2012.
- Provide authoritative, evidence-based advice to elected Members, senior officers and partners.
- Lead health improvement, health protection, healthcare public health and population health intelligence.
- Act as the Council’s lead for public health emergencies, resilience and assurance.
- Champion prevention, early intervention and neighbourhood-based approaches across all services.
- Influence system priorities through strong partnerships with the NHS, Integrated Care Board and VCSE sector.
- Lead and develop a high-performing Public Health team.
About You
- Appropriately qualified public health professional, including specialist registration or eligibility.
- Proven experience of leading change at scale in complex systems.
- Experience advising and influencing at senior political and organisational levels.
- Credibility to provide independent professional challenge.
- Strong commitment to tackling health inequalities and improving outcomes for diverse communities.
Next Steps
For an informal conversation, please contact Rebecca Carolan to arrange a discussion with Sarah Alldis, Executive Director – Adult Social Care, Health & Wellbeing:
This post is subject to Basic Disclosure and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Shortlisting (No candidate involvement): 20th March
Technical Interviews (via MS Teams): 27th March
Panel Assessments (in person): 31st March
Final Interview (in person): 9th April
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
Sefton Council strives to ensure that our workforce is inclusive and representative of our communities. A diverse workforce is important to us, our staff bring with them a wide range of experiences, views, ideas, and innovations, and we are committed to providing an environment that recognises, respects, and values everybody’s identity, where individual differences are strengths and where everyone can thrive and maximise their potential.
We are always open to learning and growing as an organisation, and we welcome new ideas and initiatives that promote equality, diversity and inclusion. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer; all candidates will receive equal treatment. Our decision to appoint will be based upon whether an individual’s skills, experience, qualifications, and abilities make them the most suitable candidate for the role.
Please note that all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for these jobs (as given in the Person Specification) and who want to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme will be invited to interview. If you are currently in care or have previously been in care, we provide a guaranteed interview scheme for care experienced people if you meet the essential requirements for the role.
Consider registering for Sefton@work
If you’re an unemployed Sefton resident, register with our Sefton@Work service for free support to help you into employment. You may be eligible for extra assistance such as funding for travel, work clothing, or vouchers to make starting your new job easier. Call Sefton@Work on 0151 934 2610 or visit seftonatwork.net to find out more and get started today!
How to apply
To apply, please submit a CV (maximum 3 pages) and a supporting statement (maximum 3 pages) to recruitment@sefton.gov.uk.
Director of Public Health employer: Sefton Council
Contact Detail:
Sefton Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Public Health
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to Sefton Council. Attend local health events or webinars to meet potential colleagues and get the inside scoop on the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Sefton’s public health initiatives and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Be ready to discuss how you can lead change and tackle health inequalities.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for community health! In your conversations and interviews, highlight your commitment to neighbourhood-based approaches and how you’ve successfully influenced health outcomes in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always here to help you navigate the process and answer any questions you might have.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Public Health
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Director of Public Health role. Highlight your relevant experience and qualifications that align with the job description. We want to see how you can lead population health in Sefton!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how your skills and experiences make you the perfect fit for this role. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Show Your Passion for Public Health: Let your enthusiasm for public health and community-driven approaches come through in your application. We’re looking for someone who’s genuinely committed to tackling health inequalities and improving outcomes for diverse communities.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it makes the process smoother for both you and us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sefton Council
✨Know Your Stuff
As a candidate for the Director of Public Health, it's crucial to be well-versed in public health policies and current issues. Brush up on the Health and Social Care Act 2012 and understand how it impacts your role. Familiarise yourself with Sefton’s health priorities and community needs to demonstrate your commitment to improving health outcomes.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've led change in complex systems before. Think about times when you influenced policy or strategy at a senior level, and be ready to discuss these experiences in detail during the interview.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Public health is all about partnerships. Be prepared to talk about your experience working with various stakeholders, including the NHS and local communities. Highlight any successful collaborations that led to measurable improvements in health outcomes, as this will resonate well with the council's focus on community-driven approaches.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in public health emergencies. Think through potential challenges you might face in this role and how you would address them. This will show your ability to act decisively and effectively in high-pressure situations.
