Job Summary
This is an exciting opportunity to take on a statutory leadership role in a high performing, forward‑looking council committed to prevention, neighbourhood health and reducing inequalities. As an active member of the Executive Leadership Team you will support the Chief Executive in setting, delivering and monitoring the vision, strategic direction and core values of the Council, providing a clear sense of direction, optimism and purpose.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the development and implementation of the strategic vision for health and wellbeing across the borough.
* Deliver the Council’s statutory responsibilities to improve health and ensure council priorities reflect this.
* Work collaboratively with partners across the NHS, UKHSA, IC/ICB, voluntary sector and regional partners to deliver integrated local solutions.
* Provide robust stewardship of the Public Health Grant, ensuring resources are aligned to the greatest needs and deliver maximum impact.
* Lead the Public Health team, delivering specialist advice and interventions across the whole life course.
* Support the Chief Executive and Councillors in developing and delivering the Council’s strategic agenda.
* Be the chief officer and principal adviser on public health to the Council, local communities and local partners.
* Operate strategically as a member of the Executive Leadership Team and across the Council influencing policy and practice.
* Commission, and or deliver services which are effective, value for money and meet quality standards.
* Act as a leader across the local system of public services, influencing change and enabling a culture of continuous improvement in health and wellbeing, innovation and evaluation.
* Utilise public‑health resources imaginatively and cost effectively across all domains to improve health and wellbeing of local communities and reduce inequalities.
* Be accountable for the shaping and delivery of the Health and Wellbeing agenda, taking account of national agendas and benchmarking.
* Deliver an independent annual report on the health and wellbeing of local communities for publication by Hartlepool Borough Council, stimulating debate and action with the Council and partners.
Person Specification – Essential
* Inclusion in the GMC Full and Specialist Register with a licence to practice, GDC Specialist List, or inclusion in the UK Public Health Register (UKPHR) for Public Health Specialists at the time of application.
* For those registered in a specialty other than public health medicine/dental public health, equivalent training and/or appropriate experience of public health practice.
* UK public‑health trainees not yet on the GMC Specialist Register must be within six months of gaining entry to a register.
* Compliance with minimum Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements and Faculty of Public Health or equivalent recognised body standards.
* Strong understanding of NHS and local government cultures, structures and policies.
* Excellent oral and written communication skills, including engagement with media and mixed audiences.
* Practical experience in facilitating change and budget management.
* Regular travel capability as required by the role.
Person Specification – Desirable
* Experience in leading large‑scale public health change and partnership‑building skills.
* Evidence of impact in reducing health inequalities and advancing a Health in All Policies approach.
* Prior experience as a senior public health officer within local government or a comparable health setting.
Recruitment Details
* Reference number: F0113‑26‑0000
* Date posted: 25 February 2026
* Salary: £95,623 to £102,304 per year
* Contract: Permanent
* Working pattern: Full‑time, flexible working
* Job location: 15 Victoria Road, Hartlepool, Cleveland, TS24 8AY
Employer Details
Hartlepool Borough Council
15 Victoria Road
Hartlepool, Cleveland, TS24 8AY
Website: https://online.hartlepool.gov.uk/
Legal & Equality Statements
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check. Applicants requiring current skilled‑worker sponsorship are welcome. Information on sponsorship and visa requirements is available on the UK Visas and Immigration website.
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