Job Description
Public Health Consultant x 2
One permanent position and one 3 year fixed term contract
Lead with purpose. Influence change. Create a healthier future for Gateshead.
Who we are and what we stand for
Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might just be the perfect match.
We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time.
We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.
At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.
Where strategic leadership meets community impact.
The Public Health Service at Gateshead Council works to improve population health and reduce inequalities by putting prevention, evidence and partnership at the heart of decision‑making. We lead delivery of the Health and Wellbeing Strategy and Health in All Policies approach, working across the Council, NHS and wider system to address the wider determinants of health. Using strong public health intelligence and insight, we support action across the life course, from children and young people to adult wellbeing, prevention and health protection, ensuring services are targeted where they will have the greatest impact.
Together, creating healthier, stronger communities.
Are you an exceptional public health leader who is passionate about improving lives and reducing inequalities? Gateshead Council is seeking an ambitious and influential Consultant in Public Health/Consultant in Public Health Medicine to help shape a healthier future for our residents and communities.
Working alongside the Director of Public Health and senior leaders across the Council, NHS and wider health and care system, you will lead transformational programmes that improve health outcomes, tackle inequalities and create the conditions for people and places to thrive. As a trusted strategic adviser and visible system leader, you will influence policy, commissioning and service delivery across organisational boundaries, applying public health expertise to address both immediate challenges and long-term population health priorities.
This is a unique opportunity to drive innovation, champion prevention and deliver lasting change across health improvement, health protection and healthcare public health. You will bring together partners, communities and decision-makers to develop evidence-based solutions that strengthen communities, improve wellbeing and ensure every resident has the opportunity to live a healthier, happier life.
In return, you will join an ambitious and collaborative organisation committed to its Thrive agenda, where you will have the opportunity to make a significant and lasting impact on the health and wellbeing of current and future generations.
What you'll get to do:
- Lead strategic public health programmes to improve health outcomes and reduce inequalities.
- Deputise for the Director of Public Health and provide visible system leadership.
- Influence policy, commissioning and service delivery across health and care partnerships.
- Provide expert advice to elected members, senior leaders and partner organisations.
- Lead the commissioning and performance of key public health services and budgets.
- Drive partnership approaches to tackling the wider determinants of health.
- Support emergency planning, health protection and resilience arrangements.
- Develop high-performing teams and foster innovation to deliver lasting improvements for Gateshead residents.
What you'll bring:
- Registered on the GMC Specialist Register, GDC Specialist List or UK Public Health Register (UKPHR) for Public Health Specialists at the point of application (or eligible in line with Consultant appointment regulations).
- Hold a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in Public Health, be within six months of obtaining CCT, or be able to demonstrate equivalent specialist training and experience.
- Evidence of maintaining Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and commitment to ongoing professional learning and development.
- Membership of the Faculty of Public Health (MFPH) by examination, exemption or assessment.
- Strategic Leadership and Influence: A proven ability to influence senior stakeholders including elected members, directors, chief executives and system partners to deliver improved outcomes for communities.
- Delivery of Transformation and Change: A successful track record of leading complex change programmes and driving improvement across organisational and professional boundaries.
- Partnership and Political Awareness: Experience of working effectively within politically led environments and building strong collaborative relationships across local government, the NHS, voluntary sector and wider partnership networks.
- Public Health Expertise and System Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of public health practice, population health, health protection, health improvement, healthcare public health, health inequalities and the wider determinants of health.
- Analytical and Communication Skills: The ability to interpret complex intelligence, evidence and data, translate it into clear recommendations, and communicate effectively with a range of audiences and stakeholders.
- Personal Impact and Values: A resilient, visible and credible leader who demonstrates integrity, sound judgement and a strong commitment to improving population health, reducing inequalities, and promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.
What’s in it for you
- Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
- Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
- Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 32 days of annual leave (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
- Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
- Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
- Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
- Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
- Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
- Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).
Our commitment to you
We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
How to apply
You can apply online using the apply now button below. Within the form, you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.
We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.
If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via recruitment@gateshead.gov.uk
Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.
Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.