Public Health Principal - Public Health

Job Posted: 12 June 2026

• Contract Term: Permanent
• Location: Newport, Isle of Wight
• Contract Type: Full time
• Salary: Grade 14, £58,190 to £62,531 per annum
• Industries: Health & Social Care Public Sector

37 hours per week

This role is office-based; however, it also offers some agile or remote working

Welcome

Are you an experienced public health professional with a passion for improving population health and tackling inequalities?

We have an exciting opportunity to join our ambitious and expanding Public Health team as a Public Health Principal.

Following the re-establishment of our independent Isle of Wight Public Health Team, we are continuing to build a dynamic, forward-thinking service focused on improving health and wellbeing for our Island community. This is an excellent time to join us as we develop innovative programmes and strengthen our impact for residents.

About the Role

As a Public Health Principal, you will lead the strategic development, commissioning, delivery and performance of key programmes, initially focusing on sexual health, healthy weight and healthcare public health.

You will play a critical leadership role in improving outcomes and reducing inequalities, working across systems to ensure services are evidence-based, effective and responsive to local need. Acting as a senior specialist, you will provide expert advice to commissioners, senior leaders and partners, supporting a coordinated approach to programme development and delivery.

Working with system partners including NHS organisations, the voluntary and community sector, and regional colleagues you will help shape and influence strategies to improve population health at scale.

You will report directly to the Associate Director of Public Health within the Healthy Lives team.

You will:

• Lead the strategic development, commissioning and performance management of public health programmes
• Provide specialist advice to inform decision-making, including interpreting complex evidence, data and policy
• Lead needs assessments, health equity audits and research to inform planning and commissioning
• Translate national policy into effective local strategies and delivery plans
• Manage budgets and commissioned services to ensure value and outcomes
• Lead and support staff and programmes, promoting high performance and continuous improvement
• Build strong partnerships across the council, NHS and wider system
• Ensure services are informed by need, co-production and evidence, with a focus on reducing inequalities
• Contribute to the wider public health system, including health protection and emergency response

About You

You are an experienced public health professional with a strong commitment to improving health and reducing inequalities. You will bring experience of co-producing programmes with communities, commissioning services, and working with NHS partners on healthcare public health.

Why the Isle of Wight?

The Isle of Wight offers a unique public health environment, with distinct challenges and opportunities. This enables genuinely place-based approaches that make a real difference, particularly in addressing inequalities and improving outcomes across the life course.

We are a supportive and evolving team with a strong focus on learning, development and collaboration. You will join at a time of real opportunity to shape our approach, influence priorities and grow your career.

Working with Us

We offer a flexible, supportive and developmental working environment where people are encouraged to learn, innovate and progress.

You will benefit from:

• Agile and hybrid working
• Training, development and career progression opportunities
• Being part of a growing team with scope to shape its future
• A collaborative culture focused on continuous learning
• 32 days annual leave plus public holidays

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to be part of a developing service with real impact. As our Public Health function grows, you will be supported to expand your skills, take on new challenges and progress your career.

Find Out More

If you are motivated by making a difference and ready to lead impactful public health programmes, we would love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion, please contact Lucy O’Loughlin at [email protected]

Planned date for interview: Wednesday July 15th, 2026

Join #TeamIWC and you'll receive our staff benefits package, including:

• Annual leave entitlement of 32 days p/a PLUS public holidays!
• Local Government pension scheme
• Discounted Solent ferry travel
• Island bus network discount
• Cycle to work scheme
• Staff parking permit scheme
• Discounted island sports & leisure gym membership
• National and local discounts & benefits schemes
• Relocation scheme of up to £8,000 may be available for some roles (subject to criteria)
• Travel allowance may be available if commuting from the mainland (subject to criteria)

To discover more about our careers please visit Jobs and careers - Isle of Wight

Find out more about Our culture and environment & living on the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight Council currently does not have a license to sponsor overseas workers.

We actively promote the diversity of our workforce, and provide flexible working options (where appropriate) to support the different needs of our employees. We are an equal opportunities employer, proud to encourage applications from all cultures, backgrounds and abilities to better reflect the diversity within our local community.

We are a Disability Confident employer. Along with a number of commitments, this means, providing you meet the basic essential requirements of the advertised role and have declared yourself as disabled, you will be offered an opportunity for an interview within the council.

The Isle of Wight Council protects its employees from discrimination, and this is supported by;

unacceptable behaviour policy

employee code of conduct

The Isle of Wight Council’s Terms & Conditions of employment are available upon request. Please contact our recruitment team via [email protected] if you would like to receive a copy.

The Isle of Wight Council reserve the right to close vacancies earlier than stated, if required. To ensure your application is considered, it is recommended to submit your application promptly.

Please note, appointment to a regulated role will require you to provide additional personal details, including full employment history, referee information, and consent for any required safeguarding checks, as part of the Council’s commitment to safer recruitment and compliance with regulatory requirements.

[email protected]  Only applications submitted online by the closing date will be accepted.

We often receive a high volume of applicants for our vacancies. If you do not hear from the recruiting manager within three weeks of the closing date, we regret that your application will not have been successful on this occasion. Please revisit our job page for alternate posts that may be suitable.