Principal Public Health Specialist

Hackney is one of the most dynamic and progressive local authorities in the UK. We are a resilient, vibrant, and creative borough in the heart of London, with strong, diverse communities and a powerful set of shared values.

Over the past twenty years, the Council has built up first-class services, outstanding public infrastructure, and a reputation for excellence, innovation, and ambition. We are leading the way on essential work such as our fight for equity in Hackney with a particular focus on becoming an actively anti-racist borough. But the work doesn’t stop there, we are proactive in our approach to bringing fairness to all aspects of life including gender, neurodiversity and across the poverty divide.

Our Public Health Service plays a vital role in this mission. We’re passionate about improving the health and wellbeing of our communities in both Hackney and the City of London. We work collaboratively and creatively to address health inequalities and create a healthier future for all.

The City of London Corporation shares this commitment to community and sustainability. As the governing body of the Square Mile, they play a crucial role in supporting a thriving London and contributing to a flourishing society.

If you would like to find out more information about public health in the City and Hackney, please visit the Hackney and City of London Health and Wellbeing Profiles website at  https://hackneyjsna.org.uk/ and the services recruitment page at https://recruitment.hackney.gov.uk/the-public-health-team/.

As a Principal Public Health Specialist, you will work closely with the Consultants in Public Health, Deputy Director and the Director of Public Health, to improve health outcomes and reduce health inequalities in the London Borough of Hackney and City of London. You will be responsible for leading key areas of work and named programmes, to plan, deliver and evaluate Public Health initiatives. 

Specifically this role will lead on children and young people’s public health and will be expected to work across the breadth of this portfolio from preconception, maternity, early years, school-age children, and those up to the age of 24 years with special educational needs and disabilities. You will independently lead programmes of work, build and manage relationships with a broad range of partners, and work strategically to assess and meet local health needs. While this role currently relates to children and young people, you will have the ability to work across all domains of public health.

The role is employed within a joint City and Hackney team, based in Hackney Council, and you will work with services and managers across all council directorates and across the City of London Corporation, embedding Public Health responsibilities into the framework of the two organisations, as well as supporting the integrated care system, by providing public health expertise to deliver improved population health outcomes. 

You will be educated to postgraduate level or equivalent in public health or a related subject area, or have equivalent experience within public health or a related field. You will bring with you a knowledge of the causes of ill health and inequalities, combined with a knowledge of public health principles and methodologies. You must also have the tact, compassion and expertise to work in a diverse community where health inequalities persist.

You will possess knowledge of project management and programme delivery. You will have gained solid experience of tackling health inequality and a proven track record in taking the initiative and leading on work – both autonomously and within teams. You will possess excellent communication skills both verbal and written, and have demonstrated a commitment to ongoing professional development. Commissioning experience is desirable. 

As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation.

If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below.

We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CV’s.

To proceed with your application, you will need to create an account and submit your application.

As part of the application process, you will need to complete a number of competency based questions. These questions allow you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and provide examples of your skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the job description.

We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace. However, if you are thinking of using this tool to submit your application, we ask you to think about what value it will add. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.

Closing date for applications: 28 September 2026 (22.59)

Interview date: TBC

We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive.

Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.

The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available: hackneyworks@hackney.gov.uk