Public Health Consultant

About the Role

Torbay Council seeks a passionate and motivated Public Health Consultant to join their team in Torquay, Devon. This role offers an opportunity to influence the health and wellbeing of local communities across Torbay, a unitary authority known for its coastal towns and ambitious development projects. Key responsibilities include leading strategic initiatives focused on working-age adults and addressing broader social determinants like poverty. The consultant will spearhead efforts in public mental health, suicide prevention, substance misuse, gambling, community safety, and inclusion health to reduce barriers faced by socially and economically excluded populations.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic programs targeting public health improvements for working-age adults.
• Collaborate with council teams and external partners to realize a healthier environment and improved physical and mental health for all residents.
• Drive initiatives in public mental health, suicide prevention, substance misuse, gambling harm reduction, community safety, and inclusion health.
• Advocate for Health In All Policies and operate as a senior systems leader across public health domains.
• Navigate complex systems, influence high-level stakeholders, and ensure measurable health outcomes.

Requirements

• Qualified public health specialist registered or eligible for registration within six months with GMC, GDC, or UKPHR.
• Proven experience leading public health efforts across policy, strategy, and operational levels.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage unforeseen and emergency situations effectively.
• Advanced knowledge of population health determinants and public health improvement agendas.
• Experience working with multiple commissioners and service providers to implement evidence-based health programs.
• Ability to communicate complex public health data to varied audiences confidently and clearly.
• Commitment to working within a political environment regardless of personal views.
• Compliance with the Immigration Act 2016 requiring proficient spoken English.
• Requires a Standard Criminal Record Check.

Qualifications & Experience

• Registration with the relevant specialist public health register (GMC/GDC/UKPHR) by application or within six months.
• Evidence of delivery of successful change management across organizations.
• Proven track record of leadership and teamwork capabilities at various seniority levels.

Additional Information

The Council promotes work-life balance with a hybrid working model tailored to essential in-person meetings. The salary range is £94,356 to £108,814 annually. Benefits include 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing with service), membership in a Career Average Re-Valued Earnings pension scheme, flexible working hours, family-friendly policies, lifestyle discounts, health and wellbeing perks, ongoing learning opportunities, and supportive team structures. The role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Interviews are expected in the week commencing 14 September 2026, and the application deadline is 27 August 2026. Early applications are encouraged as the position may close before the deadline.