Public Health Spotlight S2 Ep11 – Charlotte Pavitt

System Leadership and Upstream Impact: Charlotte’s Public Health Journey in Bracknell Forest

In this episode of Public Health Spotlight, Charlotte Pavitt, Director of Public Health for Bracknell Forest, sits down with River Simmons for an insightful discussion about her unconventional path into public health, the power of system working, and the unique opportunities and challenges of leading in one of England’s smallest grant-funded areas.

A Career Shaped by Curiosity and Prevention

Starting out as a non-medic with a degree in human biology, Charlotte’s route into public health was sparked by a population health module at Warwick and first-hand experiences of the wider determinants of health during GP visits in Coventry. Rather than following the traditional clinical route, she embraced an “upstream” approach, taking on roles in NHS cardiac networks, the Healthcare Commission (now the CQC), and later a series of public health officer posts in primary care trusts.

Training played a pivotal role in her journey. Charlotte highlights the Public Health Specialist Training Scheme for its focus on learning, health protection, and system change, including a Darzi Fellowship that strengthened her passion for holistic, collaborative leadership and social prescribing.

Innovative Projects and System-Wide Success

Charlotte’s portfolio includes impactful work in Devon, where she led the Complex Lives programme and suicide prevention initiatives. She discusses securing dedicated primary care contracts for people experiencing homelessness, building relationship-driven partnerships with council services and the voluntary sector, and pioneering real-time suicide surveillance across county boundaries.

The outcomes improved access, deeper insight, and more practical support were achieved through persistent advocacy and trust-based partnerships, demonstrating the real value of system working in addressing complex and marginalised needs.

Embracing Collaborative Leadership

Known for her collaborative leadership style, Charlotte explains the importance of communication, empathy, and openness in public health. She reflects on the need to influence partners, communities, and cross-sector teams not as separate practitioners working in silos, but as co-creators of a shared vision and impact.

Balancing career progression with family life, Charlotte also highlights the importance of championing work-life balance and supporting others to thrive in their careers.

Innovation Amid Constraints

Bracknell Forest’s public health grant is among the smallest in the country, presenting both limitations and opportunities. Charlotte explains how a “doing yourself out of a job” mindset guides her work to embed health across all policies, using strong relationships within corporate management and senior leadership teams. With a lean team, the focus is on building strong partnerships, commissioning evidence-based services, and fostering a culture where health considerations are integrated into every aspect of council activity.

Facing Today’s Challenges and Tomorrow’s Opportunities

NHS transformation, shifting local priorities, and rising obesity levels create a constantly evolving landscape for public health. Charlotte’s upcoming annual report highlights the commercial determinants of health and calls for stronger partnerships with businesses, alongside a systems approach to creating healthier environments from education and the high street to tackling poverty and strengthening social networks. Despite rapid change, Charlotte sees both challenges and opportunities for meaningful, long-term population health impact.

Shaping a New Director of Public Health Role

As Bracknell Forest’s first dedicated Director of Public Health, Charlotte discusses both the excitement and vulnerability of shaping the role from the ground up. Supported by a strong peer network across Berkshire and the Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH), and drawing on mentoring and professional networks, she has embraced the opportunity to build a leadership model suited to a small, agile, and ambitious local authority. Listen now to hear how Charlotte’s upstream thinking, collaborative leadership, and system-focused approach are helping to shape the future of public health in Bracknell Forest.

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