Navigating a Public Health Career: Insights from Louise Smith

Welcome to the next episode of “Public Health Spotlight,” a podcast series by  Panoramic Associates. This series is devoted to highlighting the essential work accomplished by public health professionals across the UK.  

In our 10th episode, Maisie Hockings, Lead Practice Director at Panoramic Associates, sits down with Louise Smith, the Deputy Director of Revalidation and Clinical Governance at the UK Health Security Agency. Louise brings a wealth of experience and inspiring insights into her impactful work in public health. 

Meet Louise Smith 

Louise Smith has carved a remarkable path in public health, beginning her journey with training in Scotland during a time when the public health landscape was evolving rapidly due to crises like the BSE, HIV, and mad cow disease outbreaks. Her initial interest in community medicine set the stage for a career filled with meaningful contributions and persistent dedication to improving public health systems. 

A Preview into her Role 

Currently, Louise serves as the Deputy Director of Revalidation and Clinical Governance at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). In this role, she oversees a national service that supports consultants in appraisal and revalidation across England. Additionally, she holds the significant role of UKHSA Caldecott Guardian, ensuring the protection and ethical use of personal information to enhance population health. Louise’s focus also includes improving health protection and clinical quality systems within UKHSA, emphasising the importance of data sharing and public health safety. 

Proud Achievements and Ongoing Challenges 

Louise reflects on her varied career, highlighting the rewarding experience of encouraging staff growth and development during her tenure as a Director of Public Health in Norfolk. She shares her profound satisfaction in witnessing the tangible impacts of her efforts, such as the implementation of a 21-week antenatal scan in Scotland. However, she also candidly discusses the challenges faced, particularly when navigating financial constraints and leading through the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

For aspiring public health professionals, Louise offers invaluable advice. She underscores the importance of understanding the intricacies of local government departments and the necessity of building strong, collaborative relationships. Louise also advocates for executive coaching and a flexible leadership style that embraces facilitation and genuine engagement with team members. 

Louise’s passion and dedication to public health shine through in this episode as she encourages future leaders to pursue careers in public health with a clear intent, yet remain adaptable to change. 

Join us for this enriching conversation with Louise Smith, as we delve into her inspiring journey and the impactful work she continues to champion at UKHSA.

Click the link below to listen and watch on your preferred platform. Stay tuned for more episodes featuring dedicated public health professionals making a difference in their communities. 

Stay tuned for more episodes featuring dedicated public health professionals who are making a significant impact in their communities. 

Building on the success of our Public Health Spotlight Podcast in collaboration with the ADPH, Panoramic Associates are delighted to be hosting an in-person event in Manchester.

This event provides a fantastic opportunity for those working in Public Health in the North West to hear first-hand from the NW DsPH network through our informal panel event, asking more specific questions to our panel of Public Health experts. There will also be the opportunity to connect with fellow professionals over light refreshments.

The event is free to attend and open to all public health professionals wishing to discover more about the role of the Director of Public Health and Consultant in Public Health. 

Event Details

Date: Thursday 13th February
Time: 16:00 – 18:00
Location: TBC (Central Manchester Location)
Who: Those already working in local authority or NHS public health teams aspiring to a Consultant or Director role will get the most out of this event.
Registration: Sign up here to secure your free spot

What to Expect

• Inspiring Stories – Hear first-hand from senior leaders in Public Health from across the North West. They’ll share their journeys, challenges, and achievements, giving you key insight into the world of public health leadership.
• Expert Insights – Gain a deeper understanding of the public health landscape and the pivotal role these directors play in shaping healthier communities with the opportunity to ask your own questions.
• Networking Opportunity – Connect with fellow public health professionals in the North West, widening your network, and benefitting from shared learnings.

The event is free to attend and open to all public health professionals wishing to discover more about the role of the director of Public Health.

Our Panel

Professor Andrew Furber (Regional Director of Public Health, North West)

Andrew has served as the Regional Director of Public Health for the North West at the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID), part of the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), and NHS England since May 2020. He is also an Honorary Professor of Public Health Practice at the University of Manchester.

Originally trained as a General Practitioner, Andrew transitioned into public health and has since gained extensive international and domestic experience. He spent seven years working across all levels of Nepal’s health system and undertook short-term assignments in multiple other countries. In the UK, Andrew was a Director of Public Health from 2007 to 2018 and previously served as President of the Association of Directors of Public Health UK (ADPH).

Currently, he is the lead Regional Director for Workforce Development and co-chairs the Public Health Workforce Collaborative for England. His contributions to public health were recognised with an OBE in the 2022 Jubilee Birthday Honours List.

Dr Cordelle Ofori (Director of Public Health for Manchester City Council)

Cordelle is the Director of Public Health for Manchester City Council. She qualified as a doctor from the University of Nottingham in 2001, and went on to train and practice as a GP before specialising in public health medicine. Her first-hand experience of the realities of health inequalities as a GP, and her work with charities in the past inspired her passion for improving health equity. She has a special interest in race health equity and improving health for marginalised communities.

She leads work to protect and improve the health of residents in the city of Manchester using data and evidence, and working with the organisations, agencies and sectors that have an impact on people’s health. This includes the development and delivery of ‘Making Manchester Fairer’, the city’s ambition to tackle the unfair and preventable differences in health between different groups of people. The plan focuses on the foundations of good health such as giving children and young people the best start, community power, and reducing the impact of poverty, racism and discrimination on people’s health.

Professor Matthew Ashton (Director of Public Health, Liverpool City Council)

Professor Matt Ashton was appointed Director of Public Health for Liverpool City Council in April 2020, a role he holds jointly with the University of Liverpool, where he is an Honorary Professor in the Department of Public Health and Policy.

He leads a dedicated team of over 30 professionals within the local authority, overseeing a broad portfolio of public health activities. These include commissioning public health services, health protection, health improvement, healthcare public health, embedding health-in-all-policies approaches, advancing public health research and development, and addressing both the wider and commercial determinants of health.

Matt is deeply committed to fostering collaboration among the region’s best talent and partnerships to enhance health and wellbeing while tackling health inequalities in the communities he serves.

Clare Jackson (Assistant Director/Consultant in Public Health at Bolton Council)

Clare Jackson serves as Assistant Director and Consultant in Public Health at Bolton Council, where she leads portfolios encompassing Strategic Intelligence, Healthcare Public Health, Health Protection, and several wider determinants programmes. With 13 years of experience in public health, Clare began her career as a Registered Nurse and Health Visitor in a highly deprived area of the North West, qualifying as a Consultant in Public Health in 2023. Her passion for strategic approaches led her to transition to a public health role in local government, where she initially focused on Accident Prevention and initiatives for Children, Young People, and Families.

Clare joined the Public Health Specialty Training Scheme in 2008, gaining extensive leadership experience. She was instrumental in establishing the Lancashire Violence Reduction Unit, supported Adult Social Care settings during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, and completed a specialist Health Protection placement with the UK Health Security Agency. Her professional interests include improving outcomes for children and families, leveraging public health influence in complex systems to reduce inequalities, and advancing health protection within local government.

Come and join us on Thursday 13th February and discover more about the role of a Consultant and Director of Public Health while connecting with fellow professionals in the North West.

Sign up now to secure your spot.

By signing up for this event, you are agreeing to the terms of our Privacy Policy.

Discover the latest insights in Waste Management for Local Authorities with Steve Brown (Assistant Director for Environment and Safety at Wokingham Borough Council).

Steve highlights the financial pressures local authorities face, such as increased demand for services and rising costs due to inflation and legislative changes. Nevertheless, Steve shares how Wokingham’s recent major service transformation serves as a proactive example of adapting to these challenges through meticulous planning, clear communication, and strategic stakeholder engagement.

His talk provides:

• Detailed analysis of business planning processes and governance in local authorities.
• Breakdown of costs associated with recycling and waste management receptacles.
• Importance of demonstrating value for money and effective budget use.
• Strategies for clear communication and stakeholder confidence.
• Recent changes in refuse collection services and their impact on recycling rates and carbon savings.

Watch now and gain a comprehensive understanding of how local authorities are navigating the complex landscape of waste management transformation, while staying aligned with environmental strategies and regulatory requirements.

Watch Now

Our Speaker

Steve Brown – Assistant Director at Wokingham Borough Council ( Interim). 

Steve has over 25 years’ experience in leading Waste , Environment , Transport and Highways services in all councils ( District, Unitary, County Council and London Borough) either as an employee, external consultant or providing interim support. The experience begins as an operational member of a team through all the levels of a local authority , and as an external consultant. Steve has led major PFI Contracts, Waste and Environment partnerships, Service reviews , Transformation of Services, and leading Transformation Boards , Procurement of Waste and Environment Services and DEFRA reviews of service provision. Steve has experience of leading at higher performing Councils that has been recognised as highly efficient and with recycling rates of 63% to working in Section 114 Local Authorities with those unique challenges. This has led to receiving National and Regional Awards Local Industry  awards for Partnership Working…

Steve is a Member of Association of Directors of Environment , Planning and Transport (ADEPT), Local Councils Roads Innovation Group (LARIG), Institute of Place Management and has an MBA, and Honours degree in Organisational Leadership.

Insights from DPH Steve Maddern: Leading Swindon’s Public Health Efforts 

Welcome to the next episode of “Public Health Spotlight,” a podcast series by Panoramic Associates in collaboration with the Association of the Directors of Public Health. This series is devoted to highlighting the essential work accomplished by public health professionals across the UK. 

In episode 9, Mia Collett sits down with Steve Maddern, the Director of Public Health at Swindon Borough Council. Join us as we delve into Steve’s career journey, his achievements, and the unique challenges he faces in Swindon. 

Please read on for a sneak peek of this episode and what you can expect to learn. 

Meet Steve Maddern 

With a strong background in public health spanning 15 to 20 years, Steve Maddern started his career in community pharmacy. Realising the need to address broader health issues, he transitioned into various public health roles across multiple organisations, including the NHS and Public Health England, before settling into local authority work. In April 2020, Steve took on the role of Director of Public Health at Swindon Borough Council, right at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

A Preview into His Role 

As the Director of Public Health, Steve oversees the health and well-being of Swindon’s 233,000 residents. His responsibilities include improving overall health, protecting the community from communicable diseases, and addressing health disparities among diverse populations. With Swindon being a unique mix of urban and rural settings, Steve’s role requires innovative solutions to tackle local health issues effectively. His approach is characterised by community engagement, strategic collaborations, and a commitment to making data-driven decisions. 

Proud Achievements and Ongoing Challenges 

One of Steve’s most rewarding experiences has been leading Swindon’s public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis. His efforts have garnered regional and national recognition, showcasing Swindon’s commitment to public health excellence. 

However, the role is not without its challenges. Steve discusses the complexities of dealing with Swindon’s diverse population, where over 40 languages are spoken. He highlights ongoing issues such as childhood obesity, oral health, and vaccine uptake, emphasising the need for tailored public health messaging. Steve also shares candid advice, such as the importance of growing a thick skin in the face of public scrutiny, especially heightened during the pandemic. 

For aspiring directors of public health, Steve offers sage advice on interview preparation and career development. From understanding key local documents to showcasing personal initiative and leadership, his tips are invaluable for those looking to step into a director role. 

Final Reflections and Advice 

Steve leaves us with insightful reflections on the qualities needed to succeed as a director of public health. He encourages aspiring professionals to consider leadership programs, never underestimate the importance of self-care, and always be ready to face new challenges with a positive mindset. 

Join us for this insightful conversation with Steve Maddern. Click the link below to listen and watch or find us on your preferred platform. 

Stay tuned for more episodes featuring dedicated public health professionals who are making a significant impact in their communities. 

Discover the latest insights in place-shaping with Paul Patterson and Jan Britton (Interim Executive Lead for Place at Dorset Council).

In his talk on ‘Building Confidence: Council Roles in Housing and Economic Revival’, Paul explores:

• Need for Overhaul: Emphasises the urgent need for reform in the planning sector to address inefficiencies and capitalise on economic opportunities.
• Empowering Planners: Advocates for enabling planners to be flexible with policies when making investment decisions, leveraging their skills in planning policy and law.
• Cultural Shift: Calls for a cultural transformation that encourages planners to adopt a strategic mindset regarding the long-term economic and social effects of developments.

Jan’s talk on ‘Transforming Place-Shaping: Modernising Local Government Services’ draws on his experiences at Dorset Council and their innovative restructuring of the planning department:

• Disaggregation of Functions: Highlights how the council has disaggregated planning functions, allowing qualified planning officers and business support staff to work more efficiently.
• Cross-Functional Themes: Emphasises the integration of themes such as placemaking, nature recovery, and climate change, breaking down traditional departmental silos.
• Cohesive Narrative: Aims to create a unified narrative that improves Dorset’s living and working environment, extending beyond basic services like waste collection and pothole repairs.

Watch Now

Our Speakers

Paul Patterson, is a business leader in Housing and Regeneration as a CEO in the housing association sector and held Corporate Directors positions in Local Government. He Currently has just completed a major interim assignment at Tower Hamlets Council. He led the insourcing and integration of a 22,000 Housing ALMO back into the Council, put in place a strategy to deliver the Executive Mayoral Pledge of 4,000 affordable homes by 2026 and implemented a fast-track planning service in the LPA.

Jan Britton is an experienced Chief Executive and Managing Director with a distinguished career in the public sector. Passionate about the place-shaping role of local government, Jan has a professional background in direct services, environment, and regeneration. Jan firmly believes that by shaping the places where people live, local councils can support communities, build sustainable economies, and help individuals maximize their life chances and opportunities.

Inside the Role of a Senior Public Health Strategist: Focus on Climate Change with Angharad Shambler 

Welcome to the latest episode of “Public Health Spotlight,” the podcast that delves into the essential work carried out by public health professionals and shines a light on the vital services that keep our communities healthy. 

In this episode, Host Maisie Hockings engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Angharad Shambler, Senior Public Health Strategist within Health Protection at the London Borough of Haringey. They delve into her journey, the complexities of her role, and her pivotal contributions to public health in Haringey.    

Discover Angharad Shambler’s Path 

Angharad Shambler, with a passion ignited by an early interest in food and nutrition, has been dedicated to public health since her teenage years. Her academic journey took her from a Bachelor of Science in Medical Science to a Master’s in Public Health, setting the stage for a multifaceted career that spans diabetes prevention, sexual health, health protection, and more. Today, she stands as a Senior Public Health Strategist at Haringey Council, driven to address and reduce health inequalities in one of the UK’s most diverse boroughs. 

A Glimpse into Her Daily Role 

Angharad’s role is wide-ranging and dynamic, balancing tasks from ensuring effective delivery of vaccination and screening services to managing local health protection incidents. She speaks passionately about the fulfilment she derives from collaborative work and the positive impact of these interventions on communities. 

Tackling Present-Day Challenges 

In the discussion, Angharad highlights the pressing challenges within health protection, such as the reduction of health inequalities in the uptake of childhood immunisations and cancer screenings. She also explores the intersection of climate change and public health, elaborating on how rising global temperatures and severe weather events are emerging threats that public health professionals must address. 

Good Practices and Lessons Learned 

Angharad emphasises the importance of local authority roles in both mitigating climate change and supporting community resilience. She shares insights from Haringey’s proactive efforts, including the development of the Heatwaves Joint Strategic Needs Assessment and the implementation of community engagement initiatives to better prepare for severe weather’s diverse impacts on health. 

Join Us for More Insights 

In this episode, Angharad Shambler’s expertise and deep commitment to public health offer valuable lessons and innovative strategies that can inspire public health professionals everywhere. Click the link below to listen and watch, or find us on your preferred platform. 

Stay tuned and give Panoramic Associates a follow on LinkedIn to keep in the loop and never miss an episode, or contact us here to have a confidential and casual chat about our hiring capabilities. 

Welcome to “Public Health Spotlight” – a podcast series brought to you by Panoramic Associates, created to highlight the impactful work of public health professionals across diverse sectors.

Join us for Episode 7, where Mia Collett, Head of the Health and Social Care Team at Panoramic Associates, sits down with Claire Beynon, the Executive Director of Public Health at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. Dive deep into Claire’s extensive career, her visionary approach to public health, and the collaborative efforts driving positive health outcomes for the community she serves. 

Please read on for a sneak peek of this episode and what you can expect to learn. 

Introducing Claire Beynon

Claire Beynon brings a rich tapestry of experience to her role as Executive Director of Public Health. Her journey, spanning various pivotal roles, is a testament to the diverse pathways leading to leadership in public health. From her start in local authority leisure services to her transformative work in the NHS through the Gateway to Leadership programme, Claire’s career is marked by her dedication to improving public health outcomes. 

Insights from Claire’s Role 

At Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Claire’s primary mission is clear – to improve the health and wellbeing of the local population. In her role, Claire collaborates closely with partners across sectors to address critical public health challenges. Her leadership has been instrumental in setting the vision for reducing health inequalities, increasing vaccination rates, reducing smoking prevalence, and promoting healthy weight among the population. 

Achievements and Strategic Priorities

One of Claire’s notable achievements is the successful engagement with various partners to drive public health initiatives, exemplified by a recent event that gathered 160 representatives from 35 organisations to tackle obesity collaboratively. Claire’s strategic focus on partnership and a whole-systems approach underscores the collective effort needed to address complex public health issues. 

A Visionary Leader 

Beyond her immediate role, Claire is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of public health leaders. As an honorary lecturer at Cardiff University and an active member of the Faculty of Public Health, she balances her demanding role with a dedication to teaching and mentoring, sharing her wealth of knowledge and passion for public health with aspiring professionals. 

Advice and Insights for Aspiring Public Health Leaders

Claire’s journey offers valuable lessons for aspiring public health leaders. She shares her philosophy of embracing varied experiences, the importance of saying “yes” to new opportunities, and the power of collaboration. Her advice is rooted in her own experiences, highlighting the importance of being involved with professional bodies like the Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH) and the enriching exposure it provides. 

Why Wales?

In this episode, Claire passionately advocates for working in Wales, emphasising the integrated health board system and the progressive policy environment, including the groundbreaking Wellbeing of Future Generations Act. Wales, she asserts, is a remarkable place for those dedicated to long-term public health and prevention. 

Future Priorities for Cardiff and the Vale

Looking ahead, Claire outlines the future priorities for Cardiff and Vale, focusing on reducing smoking rates, promoting healthy weights, and increasing vaccination coverage, particularly in underserved communities. Her evidence-based approach and commitment to health equity are at the forefront of these initiatives. 

Join us for this inspiring conversation with Claire Beynon, and gain unique insights into the challenges, achievements, and strategic visions driving public health in Cardiff and the Vale. Click the links below to listen to the episode on your preferred platform and subscribe to Public Health Spotlight. 

Stay tuned and give Panoramic Associates a follow on LinkedIn to keep in the loop and never miss an episode, or contact us here to have a confidential and casual chat about our hiring capabilities.

Adaptive teaching has entered the language of education and is an improvement priority for many schools and MATs for the upcoming year, but how can we ensure that it builds on existing excellent practice and represents positive change for our most vulnerable learners?

In this insightful Education Breakfast Briefing, Nicole Dempsey, Director of SEND and Safeguarding for Dixons Academies Trust, shares her extensive expertise in building inclusivity within mainstream education.

Nicole presents the concept of adaptive teaching, a key approach for tailoring classroom practice, supporting students with SEND on the macro level. She explains that adaptive teaching is more than just a set of isolated practices; it is a comprehensive strategy that involves dynamic lesson planning, responsive teaching, and continuous assessment. Emphasising the need for cohesive information delivery and multidisciplinary teamwork, Nicole outlines Dixons’ holistic approach, “mountain rescue,” which integrates SEND practices within every department.

Watch the full recording below to gain valuable insights into building an inclusive, well-supported educational environment that enhances the learning experience for all students, particularly those with SEND.

Watch Now

Our Speaker

Nicole Dempsey is Director of SEND and Safeguarding at Dixons Academies Trust, a multi-academy trust of 17 schools across the north of England.  She is also a Deputy Regional SEND Lead for Whole School SEND, a consortium of organisations committed to enhancing the quality of education for learners with special educational needs and/or disabilities throughout England.

She writes about SEND and inclusion on her blog, inco14.wordpress.com, and tweets under the username @NDempseyINCO14.

Key Insights from Our Breakfast Briefing

At this Panoramic Associates Breakfast Briefing we explored the impact of AI on Adult Social Care with public sector leaders, Emma Ockelford from Outcomes Matter and Affy Wajid from Peterborough City Council. Their insights provided a fresh look at how emerging technologies are reshaping the sector, improving outcomes, and addressing workforce challenges.

Overview: AI’s Role in Social Care

The briefing opened with a key question on everyone’s mind: How can AI alleviate some of the pressures faced by overstretched social care teams? Emma began by emphasising that AI isn’t here to replace professionals but to complement their work. By automating routine tasks like documentation and note-taking, AI enables workers to focus on higher-value activities—such as client engagement and decision-making.

One of the standout tools discussed was Magic Notes, an AI-driven solution currently being piloted in Peterborough. It transcribes caseworker conversations and organises the information into structured reports, saving considerable time on administrative tasks. This tool, along with others like CHC Plus (used to draft continuing healthcare assessments), demonstrates how AI can streamline documentation processes while maintaining professional oversight.

Affy noted that workers in Peterborough initially approached these tools with scepticism but quickly became advocates once they saw the impact. Staff reported feeling less overwhelmed and more empowered to focus on meaningful interactions with service users.

Key Themes and Questions Raised

Throughout the event, several key topics and questions emerged:

• Workforce Engagement and Training:
  Participants raised concerns about staff buy-in when introducing AI. As Affy highlighted, effective staff engagement is critical. Peterborough’s approach involved creating positive “noise” around AI, including engagement sessions and ongoing support to ease workers’ anxieties. The result? Staff now actively promote AI tools to one another.
• Data Security and Ethics:
  Given the sensitive nature of social care data, participants asked about data security and ethical considerations. Emma explained that Peterborough has established a dedicated AI governance board to ensure compliance with data protection regulations, involving both social care and health colleagues in these discussions.
• AI and Decision-Making:
  A recurring question was the role AI plays in decision-making. Emma emphasised that AI supports, rather than replaces, professional judgment. For example, the CHC Plus tool helps social workers by compiling evidence, but the final assessment still relies on human evaluation.
• Return on Investment (ROI):
  Participants were keen to understand the cost-benefit analysis of implementing AI. Affy noted that the pilot programmes in Peterborough have already shown time savings, especially in reducing reliance on agency staff and improving overall productivity.
• Future Prospects for AI in Social Care:
  AI’s potential in areas like quality assurance and predictive analytics was also discussed. Emma shared that Peterborough is exploring using AI to automate quality audits, freeing up time for practitioners to focus on implementing improvements. The council is also investigating how predictive analytics can help identify individuals at risk of needing more intensive care, allowing for earlier interventions.

Moving Forward with AI

As the event drew to a close, one message was clear: AI is not a “nice-to-have” but a necessity for future-proofing adult social care services. With ongoing staff shortages and rising demand, tools like Magic Notes and CHC Plus are proving invaluable in reducing administrative burdens and improving service delivery.

Peterborough’s forward-thinking approach serves as a model for other councils, showing that with the right support and engagement, AI can transform how social care is delivered—helping teams do more with less while maintaining the human touch that is central to the sector.

Watch Now

Our Speakers

Emma Ockelford has worked extensively with the UK public sector and with digital companies, proving skills in facilitating and implementing impactful change across these sectors. In her own words:

“ I thrive off of making a genuine impact on outcomes for people within public services – I love working with social workers, schools, hospital staff, senior leaders and people that use public services to make a difference. I also love making a positive difference to the professionals that work and lead local services. My interest in emerging technology keeps me excited and at the forefront of innovation in the UK public sector.”

Affy Wajid is a social worker and project manager, boasting over three decades of experience of delivering change. As a registered social worker and seasoned programme manager, he has spent much of his career in senior management roles, and now works as an independent transformation consultant. Affy’s rich background in frontline social work practice fuels his passionate drive for sustainable change and innovative solutions. His unique practitioner’s perspective ensures that every initiative he leads is both sustainable and has quality practice improvement at is core. With a transformative approach, Affy is committed to exploring and delivering dynamic, practitioner-focused innovation.

Improving Health and Reducing Inequalities with DPH Lucy Hubber in Nottingham

Welcome to the latest episode of “Public Health Spotlight,” a podcast series brought to you by Panoramic Associates in collaboration with the Association of Directors of Public Health. Our podcast is dedicated to shining a light on the essential work achieved by public health professionals across the UK.

In Episode 6, Mia Collett, Business Manager of the Health and Social Care Division at Panoramic Associates, sits down with Lucy Hubber, the Director of Public Health for Nottingham City Council. Together, they explore Lucy’s journey in public health, the unique challenges and opportunities in Nottingham, and her award-winning innovative practices. 

Please read on for a sneak peek of this episode and what you can expect to learn. 

Get to Know Lucy Hubber

Lucy Hubber’s public health journey started after university, working on projects that integrated evidence into decision-making. She then joined the NHS, traversing multiple roles and eventually serving as Head of Commissioning for Children and Maternity Services with significant impact. Lucy became the Director of Public Health in Luton during the COVID-19 pandemic—a period that profoundly shaped her approach. For the past three years, she has been leading public health initiatives in Nottingham, a city with distinctive public health challenges and strengths. 

A Preview into Her Role 

As the Director of Public Health (DPH) for Nottingham, Lucy Hubber shoulders the critical duty of enhancing health, protecting the population, and reducing inequalities. She underscores the importance of being a “broker of change,” leveraging the combined authorities, place-based partnerships, and integrated care systems to achieve substantial health outcomes. Her role is not just about direct implementation but about facilitating and inspiring change at all levels. 

Nottingham’s Distinct Challenges and Opportunities

Lucy paints a vivid picture of Nottingham—a core city with tight borders and diverse levels of deprivation. A significant portion of Nottingham’s population resides in some of the country’s most deprived areas, presenting both formidable challenges and unique opportunities. Despite high smoking rates and economic struggles, Nottingham’s strong community spirit and proactive voluntary sector offer a fertile ground for impactful public health work. 

Award- Winning Innovative Practices

Lucy discusses her innovative approach to utilising the public health grant, which earned her the Innovative Practice Award at the 2023 ADPH Conference. By meticulously analysing spending and focusing on eligible, impactful outcomes, Nottingham has set a new benchmark for other local authorities. Lucy’s leadership has transformed public health funding strategies to prioritise genuine, measurable improvements in health outcomes. 

The Value of Professional Networks

Lucy emphasises the benefits of being part of larger networks, like the ADPH, for mutual support and collaboration. These platforms offer immense value through shared experiences and collective problem-solving, vital for any DPH navigating the complexities of their role. 

Words of Wisdom

For aspiring DPHs, Lucy offers invaluable advice: cultivate kindness and trust in your team. Building a culture of kindness encourages a positive, productive work environment, leading to better retention and overall success. She also highlights the importance of skills in resilience, strategic thinking, and relationship building, which are crucial for balancing the multifaceted demands of the role. 

 Join us for this enlightening conversation with Lucy Hubber in our latest “Public Health Spotlight” episode. Click the links below to listen and watch or find us on your preferred platform. Look forward to more episodes featuring dedicated public health leaders who are making a difference in their communities. 

Stay tuned and give Panoramic Associates a follow on LinkedIn to keep in the loop and never miss an episode, or contact us here to have a confidential and casual chat about our hiring capabilities.