Job Description

Public Health Head of Function

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Job Advert

Are you passionate about improving public health and helping residents thrive in the community?

Gateshead Council

Gateshead Council is a visionary and ambitious Local Authority, committed to ensuring all local people can realise their full potential and enjoy the best quality of life. We have a strong tradition of supporting public health and aim to reduce unfair health inequalities. Our clear vision is to create a thriving community where everyone can live well.

The Public Health and Wellbeing Team at Gateshead Council

We are dedicated to improving, promoting, and protecting the health and wellbeing of residents across Gateshead. We work collaboratively with various partners, including NHS England, local NHS Trusts, Primary Care providers, Voluntary and Community Sector organisations, and the Integrated Care Board. Our team is passionate about driving positive change and addressing the wider determinants of health to help our residents thrive.

About the Role

We are seeking to appoint a full-time Public Health Head of Function who can work creatively to help us take forward our ambitions and support our residents. You must hold a Master's Degree in Public Health, Health Promotion, or a related field. You must be able to evidence continuing professional development related to public health practice and competencies and have knowledge, experience and commitment to submit to UKPHR specialist registration within 3 years. You should understand Local Government statutory requirements and have substantial knowledge and experience of public health practice. The role involves:


Strategic Leadership: Providing clear and visible leadership, embedding the vision, values, and behaviours of the council. Leading by example in terms of strategic management and change management. Programme Development and Delivery: Shaping and commissioning strategic programmes across the life course to protect and improve health and wellbeing. Collaboration: Working with partners at a senior level across the health and social care system. Health Protection: Contributing to health protection efforts and managing relationships with partners at the UK Health Security Agency Governance and Assurance: Supporting public health governance and assurance processes, ensuring effective service delivery and continuous improvement. Research and Intelligence: Appraising, developing and utilising information and intelligence to underpin public health action. Workforce Development: Managing and developing the Public Health team, ensuring effective workforce planning and professional development. Learning and evaluation: ensuring continuous improvement, evaluation, and a learning culture informs public health developments, interventions and services.

Being a Head of Function is an extremely challenging role, but also an extremely fulfilling one, where you can have a major impact on transforming the lives of the residents of Gateshead. If you are ready to rise to the challenge and play a leading role in further improving our service delivery and outcomes for our residents, we would like to hear from you.



In return you will lead a talented team of managers and staff, all deeply committed to improving outcomes for our residents.



In recognition of the vital contribution you make, we offer an attractive package of benefits including:


A competitive salary. A generous relocation package. Joining a friendly, high performing, supportive Senior Management Team. A tailored induction to meet your specific learning and support needs. 32 days paid annual leave per year, plus bank holidays. You also have the chance to buy up to 10 additional holidays per year. We'll help you save for your future with an outstanding employer contribution to your pension. We offer hybrid working arrangements to ensure a positive work life balance. A robust Workforce Development offer with opportunities for learning to progress your career and to enhance your knowledge in specific areas. You'll have access to great health and wellbeing support and ability to use our cycle to work scheme. Working with our partners, GLL you can also access discounted leisure facilities Gym and Leisure Centre Memberships | Better You'll have access to our new benefits platform VIVUP where you can get discounts and offers on online and high street shopping

If you are passionate about public health and ready to make a significant impact in Gateshead, we would love to hear from you.



Closing Date: 31 August 2025



Join us in making Gateshead a healthier and happier place to live and thrive!