About the role
We are seeking two Public Health Principals to join the recently restructured Public Health team in North Northamptonshire Council. Our Public Health team formed, following a split in 2021 from the Northamptonshire County Council into two unitary councils, and we’re highly dynamic, open minded to new ideas and aim to be best in class.
The Public Health Principal roles provide a valuable opportunity to work closely with the newly recruited and inspirational Director and Deputy Director of Public Health and the rest of the leadership team. This close working relationship allows members of the team to help shape new ways of working, to frame the value of public health within the council, to prioritise prevention interventions, as well as build strong and trusted partnerships with voluntary and statutory organisations across North Northamptonshire. We’re committed to working with local communities and taking an asset-based approach to reducing health inequalities and improving health outcomes for North Northamptonshire residents. The contribution to these outcomes from the Public Health Principal leadership role is essential.
You will develop, manage and implement public health strategies, programmes and projects in support of the Director of Public Health and Public Health Consultant team, including support to commissioning strategies and budget management with responsibilities for designing, contributing to, and advising on the development and implementation of specialist local public health programmes and campaigns.
We are seeking to appoint two individuals with broad expertise to provide system knowledge and technical advice across a range of public health areas. Each Principal we recruit is expected will lead a defined portfolio whilst working with the wider team to contribute to the broader public health agenda.
As a new team, we’re welcoming, open to new ideas and approaches and committed to investing in you and your development. The successful applicants will join our friendly and enthusiastic team committed to improving health and tackling health inequalities in North Northamptonshire.
North Northamptonshire Council is committed to flexible and hybrid working, and we welcome discussions with potential applicants on working arrangements including part time working and job shares. In applying for this role please state your preference in terms of portfolios which we will review accordingly.
If you would like to discuss this role in more detail, please contact Helene Denness, Deputy Director of Public Health, Helene.Denness@northnorthants.gov.uk
The closing date for this role is 13th November 2023. In person interviews will be conducted on 29th November 2023.
What will you be doing?
Note: There are two possible portfolios that are in scope for these Principal roles, and we will therefore be looking at your experience, your capability and of course an understanding of your preferences.
The Public Health portfolios in scope for recruitment are:
- Adult Health Improvement as part of the Health Improvement, Healthy Lifestyles and Mental Health area
- Substance misuse and sexual health as part of the wider determinants of health protection area
Key Responsibilities
You will be required to have overarching and in-depth expert knowledge in Public Health with direct experience of managing large programmes, tender processes and team management. Within this portfolio there will be multiple subject areas that the post will be required to demonstrate specialist public health knowledge on. They will be expected to influence, negotiate, communicate and provide this expert advice to inform budget decisions, service planning and decision making.
Your people and stakeholder management skills are key. You will provide day to day management for members of the Public Health Strategy Team, and you will lead delivery of key public health outcomes through matrix management and leadership.
Leading the strategic development and implementation of specialist public health programmes of work will be a significant contribution to support health improvement and well-being that will contribute to improvements in outcomes across North Northamptonshire.
Using your influencing skills, you will work with all partners across the Integrated Care System (ICS) to develop initiatives and services in a way which aims to reduce health inequalities and improve the health and well-being of communities across North Northamptonshire. Working with Consultants, Director and Deputy Director of Public Health you will be required to build innovative and meaningful ways of interpreting and developing the Public Health strategy and aspiring to be best in class.
About you
Qualifications and Education
Applicants must have a professional specialist knowledge gained through degree and postgraduate qualification, ideally a master’s in public health (MPH) (or equivalent experience combined with a commitment to undertake a postgraduate qualification) in an area related to public health.
Experience
The post holder will be required to have overarching and in-depth expert knowledge in Public Health with direct experience of managing large programmes, tender processes and team management.
Able to demonstrate a good level of knowledge and understanding of local authority and NHS policies, statutory duties, and responsibilities
Knowledge and Skills
Excellent interpersonal and partnership skills to deal with the expected practicalities of what can be achieved. Excellent oral and written communication. Ability to present complex information to groups in a simplified and relevant way, which may include multi-agency senior stakeholders.
The team will be pleased to consider development opportunities for the right candidate(s) as we are out to spot top talent through our shortlisting and interview processes.
Our benefits
We offer:
- a competitive salary
- a pension scheme, where we pay a significant contribution on top of your contribution. It provides life cover and ill-health protection.
- opportunities to develop your skills, knowledge and potential in a large unitary council
- generous leave entitlement (28 days, rising to 33 days) and bank holidays, plus the option to buy up to an extra 10 days
- agile and flexible working arrangements to help you with a healthy work-life balance.
About us
We are a new unitary council, established in April 2021; we are one of the largest unitary councils in the country. Our vision for North Northants is to be 'A place where everyone has the best opportunities and quality of life'.
Our priorities are:
- helping people live active fulfilled lives
- caring for our young people, providing them with high quality education and opportunities
- enabling a thriving and successful economy
- leading on a green and sustainable environment
- ensuring our communities are connected so they can shape their lives and where they live
- providing modern public services
Our values, as chosen by our staff, are - Customer-focused, Respectful, Efficient, Supportive and Trustworthy.
Your differences make us different - Achieve Together.
We are undertaking consultation with the Trade Unions on terms and conditions and the future NNC pay structure and during this time are appointing new employees on interim spot salaries. You will be advised of the outcome and any impact on your role once this work is complete.
Attached documents
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