Public Health Principal - Public Mental Health and Healthy Ageing

Integrated Care System; England; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in the UK seeks a Public Health Principal to lead initiatives on mental health and healthy ageing. The role involves developing public health programmes, collaborating with partners, and managing a team. Candidates should have a master's degree in public health or a related field, along with strategic leadership experience in complex health settings. This position is based in Milton Keynes and offers the chance to make a significant impact on community wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Experience in public mental health or healthy ageing.
• Proven strategic leadership in complex health areas.
• Strong project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead public health programmes for mental health and ageing.
• Collaborate with partners using data-driven approaches.
• Manage suicide prevention and stigma reduction initiatives.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Data analysis

Project management

Influencing skills

Education

Masters degree in public health or related field

Job description

Public Health Principal - Public Mental Health and Healthy Ageing

A brilliant opportunity for a Public Health Principal to join a shared Public Health team to lead on Public Mental Health and Healthy Ageing, reporting to our Head of Public Health Programmes. You will be based in Milton Keynes and will work across the three unitary authorities of Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire, and Milton Keynes (BMK). The Public Mental Health and Healthy Ageing Team works with partners to improve mental health and wellbeing and support healthy ageing of residents across the three authorities. Current priorities include leading on suicide prevention, monitoring and evaluating the BMK Suicide Prevention Action Plan, and reducing stigma. For healthy ageing, priorities include addressing digital isolation and ensuring accessible health support services for older adults.

You will lead a small team and champion prevention to improve mental wellbeing, promote healthy ageing, and reduce mental health inequalities. Experience working in complex health and care systems and the ability to work strategically with partners are essential. Experience in public mental health or healthy ageing would be beneficial.

Main duties of the job

• Lead the strategic development and implementation of public health programmes for public mental health and healthy ageing to improve outcomes for the growing and ageing population of Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire, and Milton Keynes.
• Work with and influence partners across the Integrated Care System (ICS) to deliver priorities from national and local strategies, using data and evidence to target interventions at higher-risk groups.
• Manage key areas such as suicide prevention, early intervention, stigma reduction, addressing social isolation, and supporting carers and dementia care.
• Influence local priorities to promote healthy ageing, including physical activity, falls prevention, digital inclusion, and accessible health services for older adults.
• Manage the public mental health budget, ensuring evidence-based interventions that deliver value for money, and advocate for resource alignment towards prevention and early intervention.

About us

We value strategic thinking, influencing skills, project management, data interpretation, and leadership. Candidates should demonstrate alignment with MKCC values and the ability to work independently and lead a team.

Job responsibilities

• Develop and implement public health programmes for mental health and ageing, improving outcomes for the population.
• Collaborate with ICS partners to meet strategic priorities using data-driven approaches.
• Lead initiatives in suicide prevention, stigma reduction, social isolation, and support for carers and dementia.
• Promote healthy ageing through physical activity, falls prevention, and digital inclusion.
• Oversee the public mental health budget, ensuring effective, evidence-based interventions.
• Line manage the Public Health Practitioner for Public Mental Health, supporting their professional development and work plan.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Masters degree or relevant professional qualification, or equivalent experience in public health or related field.

Experience

• Proven strategic leadership in complex health areas and knowledge of current mental health and ageing policies.
• Data analysis and presentation skills to inform decision-making and evaluation.
• Influencing and coordination skills across organizations and communities.
• Strong project management skills to deliver on time and monitor quality and risks.
• Ability to work within shared management structures, manage uncertainty, and solve problems in unpredictable environments.