Consultant in Public Health/Public Health Medicine

NHS; Milford on Sea; Hybrid; GBP 71,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in the UK is seeking an experienced Consultant in Public Health to drive improvements in public health, shape health strategies amidst a significant reorganization, and lead initiatives to enhance service access and address inequalities. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise, demonstrate strong strategic leadership and operational skills, and be capable of working in complex multi-agency environments. Flexible working arrangements are offered for the right candidate.

Benefits

Pension

Relocation support

Flexible working patterns

Qualifications

• Inclusion in the GMC Specialist Register or UKPHR for Public Health Specialists.
• Minimum CPD requirements in line with standards.
• Proven ability to lead complex change programs.

Responsibilities

• Shape the future of public health at a pivotal moment of transformation.
• Lead in crisis situations and develop effective strategies.
• Motivate organizations to improve public health.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Public Health Expertise

Analytical Skills

Communication and Influence

Education

Membership of the Faculty of Public Health (MFPH)

Master’s degree in Public Health

Job description

Job Summary

Southend-on-Sea City Council is seeking an experienced and progressive Consultant in Public Health/Public Health Medicine to shape the future of public health at a pivotal moment of transformation. With Local Government Re‑organisation on the horizon, the council is preparing to redesign its health and wellbeing strategy, tackle inequalities and improve outcomes for every resident.

Key Priorities

• Improving access to services – opening a new community clinic to reduce waiting times for vulnerable groups.
• Boosting vaccination uptake – addressing inequities and increasing coverage among high‑risk populations.
• Children’s oral health – driving prevention and education to tackle poor dental outcomes.
• Mental health and wellbeing – supporting young people and those affected by economic hardship, especially during the cost‑of‑living crisis.
• Preventable mortality – reducing deaths from cancer, circulatory and respiratory diseases, and liver disease through targeted interventions.

Responsibilities

The role requires a strategic thinker with strong leadership and operational skills. The incumbent must be able to motivate organisations to improve public health within existing resources, lead in crisis situations, apply qualitative and quantitative analysis, and develop and implement effective strategies and policies. Deep understanding of the health and care system, expertise in clinical quality assurance, evaluation and evidence‑based practice, and the ability to navigate complex multi‑agency environments are essential.

Qualifications

Essential

• Inclusion in the GMC Specialist Register, GDC Specialist List or UKPHR for Public Health Specialists.
• Where not on the specialist register, verifiable evidence of being within 6 months of gaining entry, or evidence of application to the register.
• Equivalent training or appropriate experience if registered in a different specialty.
• Minimum CPD requirements in line with the Faculty of Public Health or other recognised body standards.
• Membership of the Faculty of Public Health (MFPH) by examination, exemption or assessment.

Desirable

• Accredited Clinical Supervisor (Faculty of Public Health).
• Master’s degree in Public Health or equivalent.

Additional Information

• May be required to join on‑call arrangements for Public Health Emergencies or outbreaks of infectious diseases.
• Drive across the city; own vehicle may be required on some occasions.
• Hybrid role – at least two days per week, on average, in the office.
• Professional status, Faculty of Public Health competencies and structure chart are detailed in the full job description.

Behaviours

• Driving Positive Change – future‑focused, responsive to change, embraces new technologies.
• Trust and Respect – creates mutual trust, removes barriers, and listens to feedback.
• Strong Leadership – leads by example, motivates teams, challenges bad behaviour, and is transparent.
• Integrity – takes ownership, is accountable, and behaves responsibly.
• Building Relationships – collaborates, shares information, welcomes feedback, and applies an inclusive approach to staff, customers, residents and the community.

Experience

Essential

• Strategic Leadership – proven ability to lead complex change programmes across organisational boundaries, influence leaders and partners to improve population health.
• Commitment to work within a political system irrespective of personal political affiliations.
• Public Health Expertise – knowledge of clinical quality assurance, quality improvement, evaluation methods and evidence‑based public health practice.
• Strong understanding of interfaces between health, social care and wider determinants of health.
• Analytical Skills – synthesising data from multiple sources for surveillance, assessment and policy development.
• Policy and Strategy Development – designing and implementing strategies and inter‑agency plans.
• Health Protection – competence in risk assessment and response coordination for communicable disease control.
• Communication and Influence – excellent written and verbal communication skills to diverse audiences.
• Research and Innovation – experience in applied research and evaluation frameworks.
• Leadership and Resilience – capacity to lead responses in unplanned circumstances.
• Professional and Ethical Practice – commitment to ethical standards, CPD and appraisal in line with FPH requirements.

Desirable

• Experience in media engagement to deliver effective health behaviour and health promotion messages.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check to verify no previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer Details

Southend On Sea City Council
Victoria Avenue
Southend-on-Sea
SS1 9SB
Website: https://www.southend.gov.uk/

Details

Reference number: F0033-25-0023
Salary: £71,826 – £89,823 plus pension, benefits, relocation support
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Flexible working, Home or remote working