Deputy Director of Public Health

Job summary

This is an exciting opportunity to join our skilled and resilient shared public health service working across the three neighbouring local authorities of Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes and serving a vibrant and diverse population of 770,000 people. The health and wellbeing of residents is generally good but significant inequalities persist across both urban and rural areas and there are ample opportunities to make a difference.

As the place-based lead for Central Bedfordshire, the Deputy Director of Public Health will be responsible for the effective delivery and commissioning of specialist public health services and will work with council and ICB colleagues and other partners to positively influence the wider determinants of health and provision of healthcare.

Main duties of the job

You will provide leadership for the developing Integrated Behaviour Change Service, which is due to launch in April 2025, bringing together in-house stop smoking and healthy weight services to improve outcomes for those in greatest need. The Central Bedfordshire team is also responsible for commissioning our Drug & Alcohol treatment and recovery services and the 0-19 Healthy Child Programme. You will regularly deputise for the Director of Public Health and will hold senior management responsibility within the public health team.

The role requires a high level of intellectual rigour, negotiation skills, motivational ability and the flexibility to deal with complex public health issues as they arise. A high level of tact, diplomacy and political awareness is also required, along with the ability to work effectively across organisational boundaries and to influence without direct authority.

The permanent appointment will be up to 37 hours (1.0 FTE) on NJC conditions of service. Hybrid working is supported to assist with work life balance.

About us

Central Bedfordshire is an ambitious authority, determined to be an exemplary one. We provide excellent quality, reliable services, have robust financial management, and our residents love where they live 9 out of 10 residents tell us so. We have over 3000 staff members working for us and helping deliver a great service to our residents.

We also invest in our communities longer term with a significant capital programme to deliver some key infrastructure projects including roads, schools, leisure centres, care homes, independent living schemes, integrated health and care hubs, housing and much more.

We have a reputation for getting things done. If you are looking for a change in career, or an opportunity to progress your career with us, we have a variety of roles currently available that might be perfect for you!