Interim Public Health Consultant

NHS; Milford on Sea; Remote; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Part time

Job summary

A local authority is seeking an experienced Public Health Consultant to join their Public Health Directorate on a part-time basis for an interim contract. This strategic leadership role involves working with multiple partners to improve health and wellbeing in the community. Applicants must be registered as Public Health Specialists. The role allows flexible and remote working options.

Qualifications

• Currently registered as Public Health Specialists with the GMC or GDC or UKPHR.
• Expertise in evaluation and evidence-based practice.
• Deep understanding of the health and care system.

Responsibilities

• Lead on a range of public health issues.
• Develop and deliver strategic plans and policies.
• Provide expert advice for commissioning and service development.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Crisis management

Analytical skills

Education

Active registration as Public Health Specialist

Job description

Job Summary

Southend-on-Sea City Council is seeking an experienced Public Health Consultant to join our Public Health Directorate on a part-time basis (3 days) and an interim contract (4 months). This is a strategic leadership role, deputising for the Director of Public Health, focusing on improving health and wellbeing across the city and leading the Healthcare Public Health function alongside supporting Health Protection responses. This post can be offered as fully remote working, subject to service needs.

Salary: £750 - £850 a day

Main duties of the job

You will be part of the core public health team, working with the Director of Public Health (DPH) and accountable for delivering high-impact public health initiatives. The post is managerially accountable to the DPH and works in close collaboration within the Council with integrated commissioning, data and intelligence, Libraries and Leisure Services, and all Social Care services. Key external stakeholders include the NHS Mid and South Essex ICB, GP services, Pharmacies, South East Essex Alliance and Southend Hospital, Southend CVS (SAVS), Healthwatch Southend and local community groups.

• Lead on a range of public health issues, acting as a change agent across professional and organisational boundaries.
• Develop and deliver strategic plans, policies, and programmes based on robust needs assessments.
• Provide expert public health advice and leadership to influence commissioning and service development.
• Represent and deputise for senior leaders including the DPH and Executive Director as required.

About Us

Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, employing around 1,800 staff. We work with partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and improve lives across Southend-on-Sea. We offer a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovative environment, with flexible working practices to support a positive work-life balance. As a Unitary Authority we cover local government functions from social services, transport, public health, and parks to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, providing a wide range of career opportunities.

Details

Date posted: 17 September 2025

Pay scheme: Other

Salary: Depending on experience £750 - £850 a day

Contract: Locum

Duration: 4 months

Working pattern: Part-time, Flexible working, Home or remote working

Reference number: F0033-25-0013

Job locations: Southend-on-Sea City Council, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 9SB

Job Description and Responsibilities

To be successful in this role, you must be a strategic thinker with strong leadership and operational skills, capable of motivating organisations to improve public health within existing resources. You must be able to lead in crisis situations, apply both qualitative and quantitative analysis, and develop and implement effective strategies and policies. A deep understanding of the health and care system, including its relationship with local and national government, is essential. You should demonstrate expertise in clinical quality assurance, evaluation, and evidence-based practice, along with a strong grasp of the interfaces between health, social care, and wider determinants of health. You must navigate complex multi-agency environments with tact and diplomacy to drive meaningful public health outcomes for residents of Southend-on-Sea. Experience in addressing health inequalities, improving the health and wellbeing of children and young people, and tackling the wider determinants of health is essential.

Please note: Only applicants who are currently registered as Public Health Specialists with the GMC or GDC or UKPHR will be considered. As part of the shortlisting process, you will be required to provide formal evidence of active registration.

Person Specification

Essential

• Only applicants who are currently registered as Public Health Specialists with the GMC or GDC or UKPHR will be considered for this post. Evidence of active registration will be required at shortlisting.

Desirable

• Expertise in clinical quality assurance, evaluation, and evidence-based practice, and a strong grasp of the interfaces between health, social care, and wider determinants of health.

Additional information

• Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975; a Disclosure will be sought.
• UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

Employer details

Employer: Southend On Sea City Council

Address: Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 9SB

Employer's website: https://www.southend.gov.uk/