Director of Public Health

Hillingdon Council; Uxbridge; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in the UK is seeking a Director of Public Health to lead its health improvement strategies and oversee public health services. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in public health leadership and have a strong understanding of health issues facing the community. This role involves collaboration with NHS and other partners to enhance the health and well-being of residents, particularly in areas such as childhood obesity and health emergencies.

Benefits

Flexible Working Hours

36 Hour Work Week

Generous Holiday Entitlement

Discounts at Leisure Centres

Salary Sacrifice Schemes

Cycle to Work Scheme

Local Government Pension Scheme

Mental Health Support

Travel Support

Qualifications

• Significant senior leadership experience within complex political and social environments.
• Proven ability to lead multi-agency partnerships and deliver improved health outcomes.
• Deep understanding of health issues facing Hillingdon’s communities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the Council’s Public Health strategic agenda.
• Manage the Public Health Grant and associated budgets.
• Respond to public health emergencies and environmental threats.

Skills

Public health leadership

Epidemiology expertise

Analytical skills

Strong communication skills

Ability to lead partnerships

Education

Inclusion on the GMC Specialist Register, GDC Specialist List, or UK Public Health Register

Job description

About the role

This is a statutory Chief Officer role with significant influence across the Council, NHS, and wider system partners.

As Director of Public Health, you will be the Council’s principal advisor on all matters relating to health improvement, protection, and healthcare. You will lead the development and delivery of our Public Health strategy, working collaboratively across systems to reduce health inequalities and enable residents to live healthier, longer lives.

You will develop strategies to address key health challenges such as childhood obesity, smoking, hypertension, and frailty, using data, intelligence, and insight to drive targeted, evidence‑based interventions.

The role also leads the Council’s response to public health emergencies, provides expert guidance to elected members and senior officers, and contributes to the delivery of regional and national health objectives through partnership with the NHS, UKHSA, and other agencies.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and delivering the Council’s Public Health strategic agenda.
• Commissioning high‑quality, value‑for‑money public health services.
• Leading multi‑agency action plans that address the needs of vulnerable children and adults.
• Managing the Public Health Grant and associated budgets.
• Leading the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment and shaping the Health & Wellbeing Strategy.
• Championing population health across Hillingdon and the North West London Integrated Care System.
• Responding to public health emergencies and environmental threats.
• Producing an annual independent report on the health of Hillingdon’s communities.
• Influencing policy, strategy, and resource allocation across the borough’s health and care partnerships.

About you

You will be an experienced and strategic public health leader, with the vision, influence, and expertise to drive improvement and innovation across complex systems.

You’ll bring a deep understanding of the health issues facing Hillingdon’s communities and the ability to translate data and insight into impactful, measurable outcomes.

As a visible, values‑led leader, you will inspire collaboration across organisations, motivate and develop your teams, and use your strong interpersonal and influencing skills to shape policy, practice, and delivery.

Key skills and experience

• Inclusion on the GMC Specialist Register, GDC Specialist List, or UK Public Health Register (UKPHR).
• Significant senior leadership experience within complex political and social environments.
• Expertise in epidemiology, health economics, statistics, and evaluation.
• Proven ability to lead multi‑agency partnerships and deliver improved health outcomes.
• Strong analytical and communication skills with a collaborative, system‑wide approach.

Ready to make a lasting difference?

Join us in shaping a healthier, fairer future for Hillingdon.

About us

We value our employees and are committed to ensuring that they enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career with us. We understand that a happy and motivated workforce is essential for the success of our organisation. That is why we offer a wide range of employee benefits to enhance your work‑life balance, financial wellbeing, health, and professional development.

Benefits

• Flexible Working Hours – We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.
• 36 Hour Week – Enjoy a standard 36‑hour workweek for all full‑time staff.
• Generous Holiday Entitlement – increases with length of service (for non‑casual roles).
• Hillingdon Sports & Leisure – Stay active and healthy with discounts at council‑owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough.
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes – option to join schemes for cycle purchase, electric vehicle leasing and additional voluntary pension contributions (subject to scheme rules).
• Cycle to Work – Eco‑friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre.
• Local Government Pension Scheme – access to Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union.
• Vivup Benefits – Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Vivup Benefits.
• Mental Health Support and Counselling Services – Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues. Access free 24‑hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family.
• Travel Support – Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. This commitment means that all employees, job applicants and others who work for us will be treated fairly.

The aim is for our workforce to be representative of all sections of society and Hillingdon residents so we welcome applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds. We strive to ensure that our recruitment process is free from discrimination and bias, and we are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to applicants with disabilities.

Join us in building a workplace where everyone feels respected, able to give their best and be themselves at work, whilst contributing meaningfully to our organisation’s success.

Recruitment Information

Hillingdon Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities that meet the essential criteria for the role and wish to be considered under this scheme. We believe in the option to choose, so candidates declaring a disability have the choice to opt in for consideration under this scheme, on a ‘per application’ basis.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Some posts are subject to The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2019 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

In addition to verifying Right to Work in the UK and a new starter health questionnaire, the post is subject to the following pre‑employment screening:

• Enhanced DBS Check
• Qualifications Check
• 5 years of Referencing

Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Hillingdon Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.

It may be necessary due to a high volume of applications to close this role early. We therefore recommend you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.