INTERNAL ONLY VACANCY. This post is open to existing Leeds City Council employees only. Applications will not be considered from external candidates.
Job title: Health Improvement Principal (Public Mental Health)
Salary: PO6 £51,356 - £54,495
Hours: 37
Contract: Temporary
Location: Merrion House (hybrid working)
An exciting opportunity has arisen at Leeds Public Health.
Our ambition is for Leeds to be the best city in the UK; one that is compassionate and caring, with a strong economy, tackling poverty and reducing inequalities. We want to be a healthy city for all ages, where people who are the poorest improve their health the fastest. Leeds Public Health plays a major part in delivering this vision as part of the highly collaborative approach of ‘Team Leeds’, and we have the ideal partners and assets in Leeds to succeed.
About you
To be considered for this Health Improvement Principalrole you will need to have:
- An undergraduate degree
- A Masters in Public Health / Masters in Health Promotion
- Considerable experience of working at PO4 level or equivalent
- Effective leadership skills across a broad programme of work
- Ability to analyse, synthesise and present evidence
- A strong commitment to addressing health inequalities
About the role
Are you passionate about improving mental health and wellbeing at a population level? Leeds City Council is seeking an experienced and dynamic Health Improvement Principal to lead and deliver innovative public health programmes. This is a unique opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of people across Leeds, with a particular focus on public mental health including reducing the impact ofrisk factors for poor mental health, increasing protective factors and leading the suicide prevention programme for the city.
Public Health is looking for a dynamic, enthusiastic person with the experience and knowledge to lead the development and implementation of public mental health programmes across the city.
This post will require extensive collaborative working and engagement with local stakeholders, effective communication skills and experience of project and programme management.
The successful candidate will:
- Have experience of multi-agency working to achieve public health outcomes.
- Be experienced in working with data and analysing and evaluating complex health data and the effectiveness of public health initiatives and programmes.
- Have experience of commissioning public health services and interventions.
- Be confident in speaking to a wide range of audiences around complex and emotive topics.
- Have delivered work to actively address inequalities across populations.
This post is located in the Healthy Living and Public Mental Health Team in the Public Health function in Leeds City Council. Although the post holder can be deployed on any of the above work programmes they will have a focus on public mental health programmes including suicide prevention and self-harm.
The post holder will lead the work to shape commissioning of evidenced based programmes of work that reduce mental health inequalities and support the delivery of high quality projects which are nationally recognised.
Initial priorities will be:
- Act as the lead for Public Health in this specialist area, leading on suicide prevention and public mental health programmes on behalf of Leeds City Council.
- Translate national public health priorities into meaningful local action that makes a real difference to people’s lives in Leeds.
- Provide leadership for public mental health across the city, bringing partners together around a shared vision, building strong relationships across organisations, and ensuring mental health is considered in local plans, policies and developments.
- Lead Leeds’ suicide prevention programme, working closely with health, social care and community partners to deliver the Suicide Prevention Action Plan, respond to real-time suicide surveillance data, and support timely, compassionate prevention activity.
- Use data, evidence and insight to understand the mental health and wellbeing of Leeds’ population, identify inequalities, and guide effective, preventative action.
- Chair and contribute to multi-agency forums, offering public health expertise and a population-level perspective on mental health and suicide prevention.
- Commission and oversee public mental health services, ensuring they are evidence-based, deliver high-quality outcomes and meet statutory responsibilities.
- Continuously develop, implement and evaluate public mental health strategies and programmes that improve mental wellbeing and reduce inequalities across the city.
- Oversee programme budgets and performance, making sure resources are used effectively to achieve the greatest impact.
- Work alongside communities, the voluntary and community sector, and people with lived experience to co-produce approaches that are inclusive, compassionate and grounded in real-world experience.
- Build confidence, skills and understanding around mental health and suicide prevention across the Council, the NHS and the wider workforce.
- Lead and support a team of health improvement specialists and practitioners delivering work on workplace wellbeing, gambling-related harms, public mental health training and the wider factors that influence mental health.
What we offer you
We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:
- A competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
- Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (please note that you will be required to spend regular time in the office in addition to home working)
- A clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
- A range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further
Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.
How to apply
Apply for this job online. Please complete the online application form.
Read our guidancefor further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.
If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Laura Hodgson, Head of Public Health. Call 0113 378 2877 or email laura.hodgson2@leeds.gov.uk
We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.
This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.
If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visaroute before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.
Job Description
Job purpose
To strategically lead the development and implementation of programmes to improve health, reduce health
inequalities through:
• Developing and implementing a range of policies, strategies and services to improve health and
reduce inequalities.
• Developing, planning and implementing programmes.
• Commissioning services and activities.
• Performance and contract management of contracts.
• Building capacity and capability within the Local Authority and NHS workforce and local communities to contribute towards this and the broader public health agenda.
• Forging strategic alliances and effective partnerships for health and healthy public policy.
• Surveillance and assessment of the population’s health and wellbeing, in specific areas of public health to identify actions for protection and improvement.
• Providing public health input to the commissioning of services both within the post holder’s remit and outside their direct responsibility.
Responsibilities
• Lead for public health in specialist area.
• Translate national public health policy relating to specialist area into local strategy and practical
actions or programmes.
• Implement and develop a range of public health policies which impact across a wide range of organisations and communities.
• Responsible for policy development and development of programmes, contributes to policy at local, regional and national level.
• Monitoring programmes and managing project budgets.
• Undertake and lead surveillance and assessment of health and wellbeing to inform the development of policies and strategies, using appropriate epidemiological techniques and methods for evaluating and monitoring health inequalities including health equity auditing.
• Plan, design, lead and manage programmes taking account public health theory and evidence of
effectiveness, with a focus on addressing health inequalities.
• Undertake analysis and interpretation of numerical and qualitative data by the application of appropriate epidemiological and statistical techniques for use in policy development, strategic planning and publications.
• Maintain an appropriate level of IT and analytical skills including the use of database and spread sheets.
• Provide public health strategic leadership around specialist area, this will encompass the development and communication of shared vision and aims; the engagement of a partnership approach across professions and organisations; ensuring a public health perspective is incorporated into local planning and developments; and contributing to the development of competencies in the wider public health workforce.
• Contribute to or lead the public health input into the commissioning of services and the development
of service specifications and contracts, in order to influence the deployment of resources and services to appropriately meet the health needs of the population, address inequalities in health, ensure services are commissioned according to the evidence base and represent value for money.
• Undertake public health research and evaluation and commission and co-ordinate research programmes.
• Design and manage social marketing, mass media and public information campaigns as a component of health promotion strategies, including the use of advertising media, press releases and media interviews.
• Provide effective communication of public health information to health professionals and the public. This will involve reframing complex data and information into clear and understandable formats appropriate to the target audience.
• Contribute to shared learning and dissemination of good practice, working in collaboration with colleagues throughout the Leeds health economy.
• Responsible for the recruitment and selection, appraisal, development, leadership and co-ordination of a group of public health staff.
• Authorised signatory and budget holder. Monitor or contribute to the formulation of department budgets and financial initiatives as required by Director of Public Health.
• The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.
Relationships
Local
Leeds City Council staff
Elected members
Leeds Office of the Integrated Care Board
GP practices
Other independent contractors in Leeds
Local residents and communities
Voluntary Community and Faith Sectors
NHS Provider Trusts
Leeds Universities
Local Media
Sub-Regional/Regional
UK Health Security Agency Yorkshire and the Humber
Office for Health Improvement and Disparities in Yorkshire and the Humber
NHS England West Yorkshire Area Team
Other academic institutes across the region
National/International
Department of Health
UK Health Security Agency
Office for Health Improvement and Disparities
NHS England
Faculty of Public Health
World Health Organisation
Communicates and has contact with:
Other NHS organisations and Public Health Teams within North of England
Qualifications
• Degree
• Masters in Public Health or Health Promotion*
* Please note we are aware Masters in Public Health or Health Promotion may have different titles. If you
are unsure if your Masters is equivalent to a Masters in Public Health or Health Promotion please contact the
recruiting officer to discuss.
Essential requirements It is essential that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the
following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements.
Skills required
• Strong IT skills – Microsoft, internet and e-mail.
Surveillance and Assessment
• Skills in interpretation and analysis of data from multiple sources.
• Well-developed numerical and analytical skills.
• Ability to carry out a health equity audit/health needs assessment.
Assessing the Evidence
• Ability to analyse, synthesise and present knowledge and information about complex subjects and concepts to influence key decisions.
• Ability to search effectively, collate and assimilate the published evidence base and apply to inform practice and policy development.
• Ability to carry out highly complex analysis of public health interventions utilising data where a range of diverse and different opinions may exist from different agencies some of which may be contentious.
Leadership and collaborative working
• Ability to communicate complex and sensitive issues and information to a wide range of people and abilities in different situations and formats.
• Well-developed communication skills: written, verbal and presentation.
• Leadership skills including the ability to set a clear strategic direction, inspire and motivate others and act as an advocate for public health within the council and partners.
• Ability to lead multi-agency teams and partnerships in the development of knowledge, ideas and work programme.
• Project and programme management skills.
• Ability to develop, implement and evaluate long term plans and strategies, impacting on a range of community agencies and strategic partnerships.
• Ability to provide highly specialised advice and expertise on the delivery of public health programmes and services.
• Ability to organise, prioritise and deliver high quality work against a background of change and uncertainty.
• Ability to prioritise work to tight and challenging deadlines, managing complex and multiple pieces of
work.
• Ability to manage a budget.
• Ability to operate in a politically changed environment.
Knowledge/qualifications required
• Degree.
• Masters in Public Health or Health Promotion.*
• Knowledge of project and programme management.
• Engaged in continuing professional development and reflective practice.
• Knowledge of leadership and management theory.
• Knowledge of multi-agency partnership working.
• Knowledge and understanding of health inequalities.
• Knowledge of public health policy and political awareness.
• Knowledge of current the current strategic landscape public health operates within.
• Knowledge of the key strategic priorities of public health within Leeds.
• Knowledge of working with the voluntary, health and community sector.
Experience required
• Operating at a level PO4/equivalent in public health and/or equivalent field for a considerable period.
Surveillance and assessment
• Experience of undertaking Health Needs Assessments and Health Equity Audits.
Assessing the evidence
• Experience of evaluating public health interventions and programmes.
• Experience of assessing evidence and using it to inform work programmes.
Leadership and collaborative working
• Experience of multi-agency working to achieve public health outcomes.
• Experience of leading and management of public health work programmes.
• Experience of managing staff.
• Experience of being accountable for planning, managing and evaluating multi-sector programmes to
address complex health and well-being needs.
• Experience with using and responding to media.
• Experience of delivery of substantive objectives/outcomes to deadlines.
• Experience of managing/effecting innovation and change.
• Experience of project development within a leadership role.
• Experience of identifying performance indicators, developing service specs and managing
performance.
Policy and Strategy
• Experience of interpretation and application of policies and strategies within own areas of work.
• Experience of tackling problems across a broad range of issues requiring creative and strategic thinking.
Essential Behavioural & other Characteristics
• Commitment to improving health and reducing health inequalities, public health ethics and to fostering a learning environment.
• Able to work flexibly-hours and location, and willingness to travel.
• Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.
• Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon.
• Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
• Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.
• Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities.
• Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
• Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity policies of Leeds City Council.
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
• The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.
*Please note we are aware Masters in Public Health or Health Promotion may have different titles. If you are unsure if your Masters is equivalent to a Masters in Public Health or Health Promotion please contact the recruiting officer to discuss.
Desirable requirements It is desirable that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates are not required to meet all the desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between acceptable candidates.
Skills required
Surveillance and Assessment
• Ability to translate data about health and well-being to inform decisions and priority setting.
Leadership and collaborative working
• Ability to effectively lead and manage a team.
Experience required
Leadership and collaborative working
• Experience of sharing good practice locally/nationally/internationally by writing articles, presenting at conferences.
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