Public Health Specialist - 37 Hours

Torbay Council; Torquay; On-site; GBP 51,356 - 54,495; Full time

Job summary

Torbay Council in Torbay is seeking a Public Health Specialist to lead the Peninsula Gambling Related Harm Programme, directing public health actions across Devon and Cornwall. You will engage partners, oversee programme design and evaluation, and contribute to strategic health improvement in a dynamic local authority.

The role requires strong leadership, advanced analytical and communication skills, and experience working with diverse agencies, including NHS and local government.

Qualifications

• Advanced understanding of determinants of health and public health improvement agenda.
• Expertise in assessing community health needs and evidence-based programme design.
• Knowledge of commissioning cycles and working with diverse commissioners.

Responsibilities

• Provide public health leadership in developing, implementing, and evaluating the Peninsula Gambling Related Harm Programme.
• Advise other gambling-related harm leads across the Southwest to strengthen preventive approaches.
• Collaborate with key partners in treatment, voluntary and community sectors for programme success.
• Manage line-leadership responsibilities for the Public Health Intelligence Analyst for gambling-related harm.
• Develop and deliver a programme of work and support the Peninsula-level network on key gambling-related themes.
• Maintain knowledge of current and upcoming national gambling-related harm developments.
• Manage relevant budgets, commissioning and procurement of resources in accordance with national statutory levies and grant programme funding.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Team collaboration

Education

Postgraduate qualification

Job description

Application Deadline: 29 July 2026

Department: Public Health

Location: Torbay Council

Compensation: £51,356 - £54,495 / year (including a market supplement of £4,175 – £4,226 per year)

Description

Torbay is an outstanding and historic area located on the south coast of Devon, and is undergoing unprecedented investment across Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham. As a small unitary authority, we offer an environment where you can make a real difference quickly. We are looking for a talented, enthusiastic Public Health Specialist to lead the national gambling‑related harm prevention programme across the peninsula of Devon and Cornwall.

Responsibilities

• Provide public health leadership in developing, implementing, and evaluating the Peninsula Gambling Related Harm Programme.
• Advise other gambling‑related harm leads across the Southwest to strengthen preventive approaches.
• Collaborate with key partners in treatment, voluntary and community sectors for programme success.
• Manage line‑leadership responsibilities for the Public Health Intelligence Analyst for gambling‑related harm.
• Develop and deliver a programme of work and support the Peninsula‑level network on key gambling‑related themes.
• Maintain knowledge of current and upcoming national gambling‑related harm developments.
• Manage relevant budgets, commissioning and procurement of resources in accordance with national statutory levies and grant programme funding.

Skills

• Advanced analytical skills to improve population health outcomes.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, facilitation, and presentation skills.
• Ability to challenge existing practices, identify solutions, and influence decisions.
• Independent work and effective collaboration within a team.

Knowledge

• Advanced understanding of determinants of health and public health improvement agenda.
• Expertise in assessing community health needs and evidence‑based programme design.
• Knowledge of commissioning cycles and working with diverse commissioners.

Experience & Qualifications

• Leadership and development experience in public health programmes, including implementation and evaluation.
• Partnership working experience in a multi‑agency environment (local government, NHS, etc.).
• Experience engaging diverse agencies and communities, including marginalised groups.
• A positive history of motivating, persuading, and influencing stakeholders.
• Relevant postgraduate qualification or equivalent work‑based experience.

Essential: The role requires the ability to converse in accurate spoken English, meeting Immigration Act 2016 (part 7) requirements.

This position is for a fixed term until 1 September 2028.

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.