Public Health Specialist - 37 Hours in Torquay

Torbay is an outstanding and historic area located on the south coast of Devon. There are unprecedented levels of investment in the three towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham which alongside the council’s own ambitious transformation programme have given Torbay the opportunity to capitalise on the area’s profile and many assets. As a small unitary authority, you’ll discover Torbay is a place where you can make things happen quickly. We want Torbay and its residents to thrive and are committed to making a difference in our community, by delivering high quality services to local people.

As part of this endeavour, we are looking to recruit a talented, enthusiastic and motivated Public Health Specialist into our Public Health Team. This Public Health Specialist role will lead on the children, young people and families’ agendas which includes the strategic oversight and lead responsibility for the 0-5s and School Nursing with Family Hubs commissioned service. Additionally, this role will be leading or contributing to a range of key agendas such as Early Help and the emotional health and wellbeing of young people.

Undertaking the role of Public Health Specialist means you will be closely collaborating with a range of key stakeholders both internal and external to Torbay Council such as Children’s Services, Education, the NHS, and the voluntary and community sectors. As a Public Health Specialist, you will manage a member of the team and provide support for more junior members of the team. You will find the diversity of the role and workstream topics to be rewarding and will be joining a team that is supportive and passionate about what it does as well as committed to professional development.

You will be part of a well-established team and will be working alongside other Specialists, Contract Managers and Public Health Practitioners with support and management from a Consultant in Public Health. We understand the importance of an effective work-life balance, therefore offer a hybrid working approach managed effectively around the need to attend essential meetings in line with the remit of the role. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work for an employer that sees public health as a core council function to improve people's lives and reduce the health inequalities of the population. In return, you will join a supportive and rewarding organisation and team, whereby your talent will be valued and actively developed.

At Torbay Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from our people.

For an informal chat please contact Bruce Bell on 07917242503 or bruce.bell@torbay.gov.uk. Interviews are expected to be conducted during the week commencing 19th January 2026. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Our adverts do sometimes close early - even where there’s a published deadline - so if you’re keen, please apply as soon as possible.

Skills:

• Highly developed analytical skills with experience of analysing and interpreting data and/or information to improve the health and wellbeing outcomes of a population/community/group.
• The ability to communicate effectively with a range of different people and using different methods including good negotiating and facilitation skills; the ability to challenge existing practices and identify solutions; and the ability to influence decisions.
• Sound partnership skills including successful co‑ordination of partners to deliver objectives.
• The ability to work independently and to collaborate as part of a team.

Knowledge:

• Advanced knowledge of the determinants of health and their effect on populations, communities, groups and individuals.
• Advanced knowledge of the public health/health improvement agenda and wider determinants of health.
• Specialist knowledge of how to assess the health needs of the population and ensure programmes are evidence‑based to best meet local need.
• Advanced knowledge of the complexities of working with a wide range of commissioners and service providers.

Experience & Qualifications:

• Experience in the development and delivery of public health programmes and initiatives.
• Experience of leading, developing, implementing and evaluating public health strategic development, programmes and initiatives.
• Experience of partnership working within a multi‑agency environment including local government and/or the NHS and across a range of seniority levels.
• Experience of partnership across a diverse range of agencies and people including the general public in particular with marginalised members of the community.