Director of Public Health

Your new companyWe are currently seeking an outstanding and visionary Director of Public Health for a fantastic local authority to lead their public health agenda, improve the health and wellbeing of their residents, reduce health inequalities, and protect their communities from public health threats. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced and skilled professional to embrace this position and make an impact on an interim basis. Your new roleAs a statutory chief officer and the Council's principal adviser on all public health matters, you will provide strategic leadership across health improvement, health protection, and healthcare public health. You will work collaboratively with elected members, senior officers, and partners across the integrated care systems of Surrey Heartlands and Frimley to deliver the ambitions of Surrey's Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

• Lead the development and delivery of a credible public health strategy to improve health outcomes and reduce inequalities across Surrey.
• Provide expert public health advice to the Council, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), and partners, supporting evidence-based commissioning and service design.
• Ensure the Council meets its statutory public health duties, including delivery of mandated services and emergency preparedness, resilience and response (EPRR).
• Co-chair the Local Health Resilience Forum and ensure partner organisations fulfil their EPRR responsibilities.
• Collaborate with UKHSA, NHS England, and regional partners to protect communities from infectious diseases and environmental hazards.
• Oversee the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment and produce an independent annual report on the health of Surrey's population.
• Lead on Population Health Management, using data to design proactive care models and improve outcomes.
• Develop strong relationships with the media and public, aligned with the Council's communications policy.
• Manage a public health budget and lead a team of up to 10 direct reports.

What you'll need to succeed

• Inclusion in the GMC Specialist Register/GDC Specialist List or UK Public Health Register (UKPHR) or within 6 months of gaining entry at the date of interview.
• Substantial senior-level experience in public health within complex systems.
• Deep understanding of epidemiology, health economics, health promotion, and healthcare evaluation.
• Proven track record of improving population health and reducing inequalities.
• Experience of working in politically sensitive environments and influencing policy.
• Strong understanding of local government, integrated care systems, and the wider determinants of health.
• Transformational leadership with the ability to inspire and influence across organisational boundaries.
• Excellent communication skills, including media engagement and public speaking.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Politically astute with a commitment to local democracy and public accountability.
• Skilled in managing large budgets and delivering value for money.

What you'll get in return

• A highly competitive day rate.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements, supporting a healthy work-life balance.
• Ongoing professional development, including support for CPD and revalidation.
• A supportive and inclusive working environment, where your voice is heard and your impact is recognised.
• Opportunities to shape policy and practice at a strategic level, influencing outcomes for over a million residents.
• A chance to work in one of the most diverse and dynamic counties in the UK, with a strong commitment to innovation and collaboration.

What you need to do nowIf you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. Alternatively, please contact me on If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

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