Public Health Spotlight S2 Ep13 Lisa McNally-Worcestershire

Worcestershire Public Health: Local Power, Prevention, and Purpose

On this episode of Public Health Spotlight, produced in partnership with the Association of Directors of Public Health, Callum Gardner sits down with Prof Lisa McNally at Worcestershire County Council to explore what it really takes to drive meaningful change in public health. The conversation moves from leadership and system-wide collaboration to the realities of prevention on the frontline, all grounded in a simple but powerful idea: lasting impact starts within communities themselves.

Building Change from the Community Up

Prof Lisa McNally reflects on a career that began almost by accident, rooted in psychology, and evolved into a deep belief that real progress happens when people are trusted to lead. Drawing on experiences from the pandemic and beyond, she shares how faith groups, local champions, and neighbourhood networks became central to delivering change where it matters most.

The Power of Local Autonomy: Neighbourhood Stories

Initiatives like the Priority Neighbourhood Development Programme show what’s possible when autonomy is placed in the hands of residents, combining data, lived experience, and trust to create measurable improvements in wellbeing and reduced demand on services. The approach reinforces that sustainable impact is built with communities, not for them, and that stories are just as important as the data behind them.

Prevention vs Care: Beyond the Side Salad

The episode also explores the ongoing tension between prevention and care, challenging the idea that prevention is a long-term luxury. Instead, Prof Lisa McNally highlights how many preventative programmes are already delivering real-time impact, from supporting healthier lifestyles to reducing harm and building resilience across communities.

Collaboration: Council and NHS as One

A strong theme throughout is partnership. From working closely with the NHS to using data to shape fairer outcomes, the conversation highlights how joined-up approaches are critical to tackling complex challenges such as inequality and social isolation across Worcestershire.

Leadership with Purpose

There is also a focus on leadership, team culture, and purpose. Prof Lisa McNally speaks openly about the lessons learned from both positive and challenging experiences, and how building confidence, recognising impact, and investing in people underpins high-performing teams.

Listen now to hear how local power, prevention, and purpose are coming together to create real change.