Joint Director of Public Health
Middlesbrough Council and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council
Applicant Information Pack
November 2019
Welcome to the South Tees Public Health Service
Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Councils place the health and well- being of our residents at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to reducing health inequality, providing our children and young people with the best start in life, alongside ensuring our citizens live healthier, longer, safe and independent lives.
The Joint Public Health Service is the first of its kind in the North East region and has the ambition of becoming a Centre of Public Health Excellence regionally and nationally. Already there are a number of exciting innovative programmes underway with more in the pipeline. These range from the South Tees Mayoral Development Corporation, Middlesbrough Council’s Investment Strategy, Redcar and Cleveland’s Area Growth Plans, a successful bid to become one of only 12 local delivery pilots for Sports England’s £130m investment, rehabilitation programme, mental health and emotional well-being and the approach to developing community centred approaches to improving health and well-being outcomes.
Both Councils have collaborated and consulted extensively with key partners and the Health and Well-Being Board and have developed ambitious plans to improve the lives of people living across the South Tees. We are determined to help make South Tees a great place to live, work, play and visit.
We are realistic about the scale of the challenges we face but are determined to succeed.
Our Service
In July 2017, Middlesbrough Council and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council established a joint Public Health Service, the first of its kind in the North East, providing a sustainable and cost-effective solution to the delivery of Public Health across the two Councils. The service drives forward a shared vision for improving health and well- being for the local populations and reducing health inequality. These are encapsulated in the following Corporate and Strategic Plans:
a) Our Flourishing Future (2017-2020 outlines the priorities for Redcar and Cleveland). b) Middlesbrough Mayor’s Vision 2025, Fairer, Safer, Stronger.
The service was established to achieve the following key benefits:
Improving outcomes for the local population across prevention, early intervention and healthcare quality. Long-term sustainability, future resilience, capacity and capability to deliver services. Transforming the commissioning and delivery of services through stronger influence, regionally and nationally. Recruitment and retention of Specialist Public Health professionals. Addressing financial pressures through the sharing of costs.
The service is made up of multi-disciplinary specialist teams, including Health Improvement, Public Health, Pharmaceutical Advisory, Business and Programme Management, Environmental Health and Protection, Trading Standards and Housing Advice.
ADVERT CONTENT
The Joint Director of Public Health will provide strong, inspirational leadership to guide the delivery of a shared vision and ambition for achieving longer and healthier lives for the South Tees population.
Driving forward improvement and playing a vital part in the development and delivery of plans across both Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland (South Tees), you will have a clear focus on results and be expected to further strengthen relationships with partners and external organisations, which is why it is vital that you are a skilled influencer, negotiator and advocate.
As part of a strong leadership team, you will oversee multi-disciplinary specialist teams and professionals, you must be grounded in Public Health, have significant technical skill and demonstrate commitment to improving population health outcomes and reducing health inequalities. Applications are welcomed from passionate, ambitious and credible facilitators of collaboration and innovation who have experience of strategic leadership within Public Health.
Middlesbrough Council and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council
JOB DESCRIPTION
Post Title: Joint Director of Public Health
Grade and Salary Scale: Director 1 £86,603 - £92,016
Department and Service: Adult Social Care & Health Integration, Public Health
Responsible To: For operational purposes and for day-to-day line management, the post-holder will report to the Director for Adult Social Care and Health Integration (Middlesbrough Council) and the Corporate Director Adults and Communities (Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council)
Accountable To: For the purpose of statutory functions the post- holder will report to the Chief Executive of Middlesbrough Council and the Head of Paid Service (Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council with professional accountability to the Secretary of State (discharged through Public Health England)
Purpose of the Post:
To provide leadership and to drive improvements in the health and well-being of the residents of Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland (South Tees), to reduce inequalities in health outcomes and working in collaboration with Public Health England (PHE) to protect local communities from threats to their health through infectious diseases, environmental and other public health hazards. The post holder will be expected to work collaboratively, providing system leadership to achieve improvements in health and well-being outcomes in line with both Councils’ visions, goals and core values
The key responsibilities for the Director of Public Health are outlined in the Health and Social Care Act 2012.
Statutory functions and responsibilities:
The Director of Public Health is a registered Public Health Specialist (i.e. included in the GMC Specialist Register/GDC Specialist List or UK Public Health Register (UKPHR)) and is a statutory member and main source of health advice to the Health and Well- Being Board, with a leadership role spanning all three domains of Public Health: Health Improvement, Health Protection and Healthcare Public Health. Section 73A(1) of the NHS Act 2006, inserted by section 30 of the Health and Social Care Act 2012, gives the Director of Public Health responsibility for:
1. The Local Authority’s duties to take steps to improve public health.
2. Any of the Secretary of State’s Public Health Protection or Health Improvement functions delegated to Local Authorities, either by arrangement or under regulations – these include services mandated by regulations made under
section 6C of the 2006 Act, inserted by section 18 of the 2012 Act.
3. Exercising their Local Authority’s functions in planning for, and responding to, emergencies that present a risk to public health.
4. Their Local Authority’s role in co-operating with the Police, the Probation Service and the Prison Service to assess the risks posed by violent or sexual offenders.
5. Such other Public Health functions as the Secretary of State specifies in regulations.
Service Responsibilities:
1. Manage a diverse multi-disciplinary Public Health Service. This includes professional supervision, appraisals and employee relation matters.
2. Manage RCBC and MBC Public Health budgets of and the wider Local Authority Public Protection budgets.
3. Be expected to take part in on call arrangements for Gold Commander for the two Local Authorities and other communicable disease control/health protection/STAC as appropriate.
4. Manage Specialty Registrars in Public Health and assist with the ongoing training of Health Professionals by providing relevant, long term work placements.
5. To provide direction to Heads of Service and other officers to ensure that services remain efficient and fit for purpose,
6. To play a full role in the Leadership and Management Team alongside other Directors and to actively advocate, lead and implement corporately agreed positions and initiatives.
7. To play a leading role in the further embedding of the Council’s values.
8. To undertake other such duties and responsibilities, commensurate with the grading and nature of the post, as may from time to time be required.
Professional Responsibilities:
The Joint Director of Public Health leads a multi-disciplinary team across two Local Authorities responsible to improve and protect the health and well-being of the local population and to drive the reduction in health inequalities through:
Health Improvement:
1. Being the System Leader and Principal Public Health Adviser across the South Tees for achieving longer and healthier lives, reducing health inequalities and protecting the local population from environmental hazards and incidents.
2. Statutory responsibility to produce an independent annual report on the health of the population, progress on improving health and reducing inequalities and making recommendations.
3. Being the Principal Adviser on all health matters to Elected Members, officers and partners, with a leadership role spanning Health Improvement, Health Protection and Healthcare Public Health to ensure joint ownership and delivery of political and organisational priorities.
4. Being Principal Adviser to the Health and Well-Being Board in developing a Health and Well-Being Strategy based on the assessed needs of the population and proven interventions to improve health.
5. Developing healthy, sustainable and cohesive communities through the Health and Well-Being Board and the wider Council and partners.
6. Developing healthy lifestyles for individuals and communities.
7. Tackling specific issues based on local needs assessment such as childhood obesity, smoking etc.
8. Developing a strategy for reducing health inequalities.
9. Providing leadership and developing strategic partnerships for addressing the social determinants of health and embedding health in all policies.
10. Providing leadership for community centred approaches to improving health and well-being.
Health Protection:
1. Dealing with infectious disease threats including food and water borne disease supported by local PHE.
2. Preparing for emergencies including pandemic influenza.
3. Providing advice and challenge, especially advising on environmental threats including pollution, noise and contaminated land.
4. Co-chairing the Local Health Resilience Partnership when applicable.
5. Supporting the Local Resilience Forum in developing comprehensive multi agency plans for the anticipated threats to public health.
6. Chairing the Local Health Protection Assurance Board and providing assurance to the Health and Well-Being Board, both Councils and their respective Cabinet and Executive that plans are in place to protect the health and well-being of the local population.
7. Working with PHE and the local NHS to effectively prevent, investigate, control and manage infectious disease incidents and outbreaks.
Health Services Public Health:
1. Population health care, including oversight and promoting population coverage of immunisation and screening programmes.
2. Supporting the commissioning of appropriate, effective, and equitable health care from the NHS locally.
3. Leading the integration of Health and Social Care Services.
4. Providing specialist Public Heath advice to Commissioners on priorities for Health and Social Care spending and the appropriate configuration of services within and between Local Authorities.
Training and Personal Development:
1. Contribute actively to the training programme for Foundation Year Doctors/Specialty Registrars in Public Health as appropriate, and to the training of practitioners and Primary Care professionals within the locality (if the post- holder designs and delivers core training, specify as applicable and give details of post-holder’s involvement e.g. lead trainer, trainer on a module, develops training for others, etc.)
2. Pursue a programme of CPD, in accordance with Faculty of Public Health requirements, or other recognised body, and undertake revalidation, professional appraisal, audit or other measures required to remain on the GMC/GDC Specialist Register or the UK Public Health (Specialist) Register or other Specialist Register as appropriate.
3. Practice in accordance with all relevant sections of the General Medical Council’s Good Medical Practice (if medically qualified) and the Faculty of Public Health’s Good Public Health Practice
Corporate Responsibilities:
We will make every reasonable effort to supply the necessary employment aids, equipment or adaptations to enable employees to perform the full duties of the job in accordance with the Equality Act 2010 where a post holder is disabled.
You will:
o Demonstrate a commitment to the principles of equality of opportunity and fairness of treatment in relation to employment issues and service delivery. o Respect all confidentialities and principles and practices of the Data Protection Act. o Comply with Health and Safety Policies and legislation. o Be committed to continuous personal development, including Middlesbrough Learns. o Demonstrate a commitment to the Safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults, highlighting any areas of concern with the appropriate service and adhering to the policies of the Council relating to these issues.
The above duties and responsibilities cannot totally encompass or define all tasks which may be required. The outlined duties and responsibilities may, therefore, vary from time to time without materially changing either the character or level of responsibility, these factors are reflected in the post.
Last Updated: October 2019 Author:
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Middlesbrough Council: Our Values
Our Values are a critical element of our strategy to create a brighter future for Middlesbrough. They will be at the heart of everything we do and will be the foundation for how we operate, behave and make decisions. Having these values will help you be the best you can be and help Middlesbrough to grow and thrive.
PASSIONATE about Middlesbrough
Believe in Middlesbrough Be proud to work for the Council Have a ‘can do’ attitude
INTEGRITY at our heart
To be open, honest and transparent Communicate well with others Treat others with respect
CREATIVE in our thinking
Always look to improve Find solutions to problems Positive to change
COLLABORATIVE in our approach
Engage and consult with others Seek feedback from others Understand the needs of others
FOCUSSED on what matters
Understand the Council’s and my own priorities Put the customer first Deliver against expectation
Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council: Our Vision and Values
Our vision motivates and guides us. It sums up our optimism for the future. It recognises our heritage, reflects our identity and influences future direction. It is real to local people and is personal to Redcar and Cleveland.
“A Flourishing Future Forged from a Proud Past”
Our values are part of us. They define our culture and the way we act. We all hold dear and stick to our values in our work serving the people of Redcar and Cleveland
KEEPING COMMUNITIES BOLD AND AT OUR AMBITIOUS HEART
Our Values are}
CARING AND DELIVERING RESPECTFUL OUR BEST
PERSON SPECIFICATION
For the purposes of selection you will be assessed against the Values and the criterion contained within the Person Specification table For further information, please refer to the role description within Appendix A.
Director of Public Health
PERSON SPECIFICATION Essential Desirable
QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Inclusion in the GMC Specialist Register/GDC X Specialist List or the UKPHR Register at the level of Specialist Practice.
OR :
1a.If included in the GMC/GDC Specialist Register in a specialty other than Public Health Medicine/Dental Public Health, candidates must have equivalent training and/or appropriate experience of Public Health Medicine Practice Health Register (UKPHR). X
1b.Public Health Specialist Registrar applicants who are not yet on the GMC Specialist Register/GDC Specialist List in Dental Public Health/UKPHR must provide verifiable signed documentary evidence that they are within 6 months of gaining entry at the date of interview; all other applicants must provide verifiable signed documentary evidence that they have applied for inclusion in the GMC/GDC/UKPHR specialist registers.
2. MFPH by examination, by exemption or by assessment. X
KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS: 3. Experience of working in complex political and social X environments.
4. Significant experience of Public Health practice at X senior level.
5. Experience of working with or in a Local Authority. X
6. Experience of contributing to scientific publications, X presentation of papers at conferences, seminars etc.
7. Significant knowledge of epidemiology and statistics, X Public Health Practice, Health Promotion, Health Economics and Health Care Evaluation.
8. Knowledge of methods of developing clinical quality X assurance, quality improvement and evidence based
clinical and/or Public Health Practice.
9. Experience of developing and implementing related X policies.
10. Highly developed analytical skills using qualitative and X quantitative data.
11. Experience and understanding of the delivery of X improved health through mainstream NHS activities.
12. Knowledge of NHS/Local Government and Social care X structure, policy and relationships and interfaces that impact on the wider determinants of health.
13. Experience of adding Public Health values to X corporate agendas.
14. Be committed to and be up to date with CPD X requirements in accordance with Faculty of Public Health requirements or other recognised body.
15. Substantial experience of departmental staff and X budget management at a senior level.
16. Proven ability to respond to, lead and manage a X service within a complex environment and through constant change and unforeseen circumstances.
17. Strategic experience of delivering transformational, X inspirational leadership which delivers innovative solutions.
18. Exceptional interpersonal, communication, negotiation X and influencing skills.
19. Experience of providing a customer focused service X which recognises the differing needs of service users and surpasses expectations.
20. Adaptable and flexible in meeting the service needs, X able to prioritise and manage conflicting demands.
APPENDIX A
STANDARD PUBLIC HEALTH ENGLAND ROLE DESCRIPTION
CORE COMPETENCY AREAS RELATING TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Surveillance and assessment of the population’s health and well-being: To ensure the proper design, development and utilisation of major information and intelligence systems to underpin Public Health improvement and action for the population across disciplines and organisations. To receive, interpret, provide and advise on highly complex epidemiological and statistical information about the health of populations to the Local Authority, NHS and voluntary organisations. To ensure the use of the best available evidence base to support the assessment of health needs, health inequalities, health impact assessment and the identification of areas for action within the local population. To produce an annual report on the health of the population of (County/Borough).
Assessing the evidence of effectiveness of health and healthcare interventions, programmes and services: To provide expert Public Health advice and leadership to support and inform an evidence-based approach within ethical frameworks for commissioning and develop high quality equitable services, across Primary, Secondary and Social Care, and across sectors including Local Authorities, voluntary organisations and others, in potentially contentious and hostile environments where barriers to acceptance may exist. To be responsible for leading on service development, evaluation and quality assurance governance in specific areas and for preparing and adjusting action plans in line with changing needs and changing geographical boundaries. To provide expert advice to support evidence based commissioning, prioritisation of services for the population (and in some circumstances for the individual) in order to maximise opportunities for health.
Policy and strategy development and implementation: To lead on behalf of Middlesbrough Council and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council on the communication, dissemination, implementation and delivery of National, Regional and Local Policies and Public Health Strategies, developing inter-agency and interdisciplinary strategic plans and programmes, with delegated authority to deliver key Public Health targets. To act in an expert advisory capacity on Public Health knowledge, standards and practice, across the spectrum of Public Health at Board or equivalent level. To be responsible for the development and implementation of multi-agency long-term Public Health programmes as required, based on identification of areas of potential health improvement, the diversity of local needs and the reduction of inequalities.
To ensure proper linkages between the health agenda and strategies related to the wider determinants including for example, community safety, the environment and sustainability.
Leadership and collaborative working for health: To take the lead role on behalf of Middlesbrough Council and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council in developing inter-agency and interdisciplinary short and long-term strategic plans for securing health improvement both in the general population and in vulnerable groups at high risk of poor health and reduced life expectancy, in partnership with a range of agencies such as those in the statutory, non-statutory, voluntary and private sectors and by taking lead responsibility with a defined local authority. This requires the ability to work cross-directorate and across other agencies and voluntary organisations. To work with Primary Care Professionals and community staff to raise awareness of their Public Health role. To lead on the integration of Health, Social Services and voluntary organisations to promote effective joint working to ensure delivery of the wider government targets. To influence external agencies in their Public Health Policy decisions by working with complex professional, managerial and population groups and other organisations in the statutory, non-statutory and private sectors.
DEFINED COMPETENCY AREAS
Health Improvement: To be responsible for designated areas of health improvement programmes, Public Health Surveillance or population screening or geographical areas. To take an Executive Director leadership role in specified areas with local communities and vulnerable and hard to reach groups, helping them to take action to tackle longstanding and widening health inequality issues, using community development approaches as appropriate. To provide expert knowledge to ensure effective community involvement with regard to all the work of the organisation including commissioning and prioritising high cost services and to ensure that policies and strategies are interpreted, developed and implemented at all levels.
Health Protection: To take responsibility for safeguarding the health of the population in relation to communicable disease, infection control and environmental health, including delivery of immunisation targets. To ensure that effective local arrangements exist for covering the on call rota for the effective control of communicable disease, environmental hazards to health and emergency planning, as detailed in Local Health Protection Agreements. To communicate effectively and diplomatically with a wide audience including the media and the public to change practice in highly challenging circumstances such as communicable disease outbreaks, chemical incidents, immunisation and screening.
Service Improvement To provide expert advice to support evidence based commissioning, prioritisation of Health and Social Care Services for the population (and in some circumstances provide highly specialised advice on preferred treatment options or protocols based on the evidence for individual patients) in order to maximise opportunities for health. To be responsible for implementation of NICE and National Service Frameworks or equivalent national standards, guidance and frameworks. To lead the development of clinical networks, clinical governance and audit. To review evidence and providing highly specialised advice on preferred treatment options or protocols based on the evidence for individual patients.
Public Health Intelligence. To analyse and evaluate quantitative and qualitative data and research evidence from a range of sources to make recommendations and inform decision making which has long term impacts. To compare, analyse and interpret highly complex options for running projects identified as key Public Health priorities, and communicate this information across organisations and the local community. To be responsible for the identification and implementation of appropriate health outcome measures, care pathways, protocols and guidelines for service delivery across patient pathways for the local population. To work with the information and intelligence arm of PHE and other organisations to strengthen local, regional and national Public Health intelligence and information capacity.
Academic Public Health/Research and Development (R&D) To undertake and commission literature reviews, evaluative research surveys, audits and other research as required to inform equitable service and reduce health inequalities. This may involve taking the lead on R&D Public Health and related activities To develop links with local Universities to ensure the work of the organisation is based on a sound research and evidence base. To develop Public Health capacity through contributing to education and training and development within the Directorate, and within the wider NHS and non-NHS workforce.
APPENDIX B
The Selection Process
Date of interviews: 10 March 2020
To apply for this post you will need to create an online account, when you click the apply link, it will take you to a screening question. Once you have completed this you will see the apply page. If you are external to the organisation, please create an account using the ‘New User Registration’. If you are internal to Middlesbrough Council, please use your Staff Portal credentials to log in. You will then need to submit your CV by the stated closing date, please make sure that your CV and any other supporting documentation is contained within 1 file. You should ensure that you are as concise as possible whilst addressing all of the appointment criteria.
Please include details of at least two referees in support of your application, one of whom should ideally be your current/most recent employer. We may contact these referees at any point during the recruitment process.
Finally, please ensure that you have included your contact telephone number and email address so that we can make contact with you.
If you are invited for interview:
You must be available for interview on 10 March 2020, you should allow a full day for the selection process as this could involve a number of stages. Candidates will meet with a Stakeholder Panel and the Appointment Committee and you will be required to deliver a presentation.
Best wishes with your application.