Welcome

Hello – and welcome to Manchester. I am delighted that you are interested in the Director of Public Health position.

This is a position that in recent years has played a pivotal role in our city, guiding us through the global pandemic and into an era of devolved health and social care – working to improve the wellbeing and prosperity of our residents.

Manchester is a city with global ambitions – a place of innovation and creativity, a place with a rich sense of identity and diversity, and the beating heart of one of the fastest growing regional economies in Europe.

However, we are also a place where complex and entrenched inequalities persist. Manchester is home to some of the UK’s most deprived communities where poverty, poor health and life chances continue to limit the potential of some of our residents.

Closing this gap and ensuring every one of our residents is given the chance to thrive and take advantage of the city’s success is central to our ethos – from improving health and wellbeing to decent housing, education and employment opportunities.

We believe that Making Manchester Fairer – our flagship policy – is an opportunity to create a Manchester that works for all.

The Director of Public Health role will be intimately linked to this programme, working for the benefit of everyone who lives in our city. Reporting to the Chief Executive who is also the ICS place based lead the post holder will work with colleagues across Greater Manchester to maximise the advantage of our unique devolution deal to improve the health of our population.

The Council plays a highly influential and visible role in Public Health in a national and international context, leading the way in delivering inclusive services and create a place where economic opportunities are available to everyone.

At the same time, we are building a greener, more sustainable city – and an improved environment for the people who live and work here.

Our commitment to place based services, and public sector reform is designed to ensure that we can successfully meet the needs of people at a local level, while ensuring that public services are cohesive and accessible to all.

We believe we are getting it right, and our recent LGA peer report backs this up, describing Manchester as “a city of firsts” and how our pioneering spirit is alive and well in the work of the Council.

Set against this strategic context, it’s easy to see why this role is one of the most exciting – and challenging - Public Health leadership roles in the country.

There’s a refreshing clarity of purpose and direction in Manchester. We know exactly what we are working towards, and there is political and organisational consensus that is driving our work, allowing us to sustain the pace of change.

Expectations are high. But this is a role where you can make great things happen.

Thank you for considering Manchester as your next career destination and I look forward to hearing from you.

Joanne Roney OBE, Chief Executive