Summary We are seeking an Interim Public Health Principal for an initial 6-month contract, with the possibility of extending up to 12 months. This role offers a competitive rate of £600 per day, inclusive of expenses, and requires a hybrid working arrangement, with office presence needed for key meetings approximately 4 to 6 days per month. The preferred start date is November 1, 2025. The successful candidate will play a strategic leadership role across the council and with various local and regional partners. The focus will be on developing a clear vision and strategy for cross-cutting programs aimed at health improvement, health protection, and healthcare public health. This position requires a generalist with strategic leadership experience in drug, alcohol, and sexual health services, and ideally, experience in commissioning 0-19 child public health services. The role demands flexibility in work priorities within a small public health team. Responsibilities Deliver Hillingdon’s duties to protect and improve public health, as delegated by the Secretary of State. Serve as the chief officer and principal adviser for public health to the Council, system partners, and local communities. Support the Chief Executive and Councillors in developing and delivering the Council’s strategic agenda. Act as a statutory member of the Council’s Health and Wellbeing Board, advising on the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy. Participate strategically within HHCP, directing priorities for population health improvement. Plan for and respond to public health emergencies. Commission and deliver services that are effective, value for money, and meet quality standards. Utilize public health resources to improve community health and reduce inequalities. Collaborate with police, probation, and prison services to assess risks posed by offenders. Produce an annual independent report on the health of Hillingdon’s population. Support surveillance, monitoring, and evaluation of health and wellbeing. Ensure Council activities consider inequality reduction and comply with the Equality and Diversity Act. Apply scientific principles to assess needs and progress the Council’s strategic agenda. Develop plans with partners to create healthy, sustainable, and cohesive communities. Ensure effective health protection systems for local communities. Work with the Corporate Management Team to address health, care, and safeguarding needs. Collaborate across boundaries to benefit from population health and care programs. Requirements Master’s degree in Public Health. Minimum of 5 years in a strategic public health leadership role within a local authority. Membership of the Faculty of Public Health and participation in a formal CPD program is desirable. Self-starter with the ability to work independently. Minimum of three years’ experience in senior-level public health practice. Experience in complex political and social environments. High understanding of epidemiology, statistics, health promotion, and health care evaluation. Commitment to addressing relationships and cultures impacting health determinants. Understanding of NHS and local government structures and policies. Knowledge of clinical quality assurance and evidence-based public health practice. Strong analytical skills with qualitative and quantitative data. Excellent written and oral presentation skills. Ability to design, develop, interpret, and implement policies. Strong staff and corporate management skills.