Public Health Lead - Behavioural Insights

Job summary

As Public Health Lead - Behavioural Insights, you will champion the use of behavioural science to inform strategy, policy, service design and system-wide transformation. You will work closely with colleagues across the Council, the NHS, voluntary and community sector partners, and regional networks to understand behavioural drivers, identify barriers to change and design culturally competent approaches that make a meaningful difference for residents.

The successful candidate will bring strong public health expertise, political awareness, analytical rigour and excellent influencing skills. You will lead behavioural insights projects from conception through implementation and evaluation, manage staff and resources, support commissioning and partnership working, and build behavioural science capability across the organisation.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to Slough Borough Councils ambition to improve population health and wellbeing, strengthen prevention and deliver services that are inclusive, evidence-led and responsive to local needs.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will provide strategic leadership for the application of behavioural science and behavioural insights across public health programmes and policies within Slough. The postholder will lead the design, implementation, evaluation and continuous improvement of evidence-informed interventions aimed at improving health outcomes, reducing health inequalities and supporting healthier behaviours across local communities.

The postholder will champion the use of behavioural science principles to influence decision-making, service design and system-wide transformation. They will provide expert advice and guidance to internal and external stakeholders and contribute to the development of innovative strategies, policies and programmes that improve population health and wellbeing.

A high level of intellectual rigour, political awareness and negotiation and motivation skills as well as flexibility and sensitivity are required. You will be responsible for leading development and delivery of public health programmes and taking the lead for initiating and influencing partnership working at a high level for the portfolio area (Behavioural Insight), working to secure a reduction of health inequalities.

Lead the day-to-day operational delivery of behavioural insights programmes, with a key role in managing change and transformation within the public health department including managing public health staff, co-ordinating and supervising their work and coordinating public health advice and support to other departments across the Council and external partners.

Although the work of our team is focused on Slough there will be opportunities for strategic partnership working across the other Berkshire local authorities and more widely with the NHS, other organisations, voluntary sector and community groups.

You will provide high level guidance and advice to internal and external colleagues (including elected members); work with senior managers to develop new approaches and support the development of strategy, policy, plans and resource allocation.

Post holders will be responsible for co-ordinating and integrating the work of other staff.

The role requires advanced training or a full professional qualification, or proficiency in a specialised Public Health field, with a broad understanding of relationships between different operational areas, as well as significant experience at a management level.

Main Accountabilities

Play a key role in supporting the Senior PH Manager to ensure the widest possible participation in the public health agenda though forging partnerships with and influencing key stakeholders, focussing on using behavioural insights to inform our behavioural change ambitions.

Be responsible for developing, implementing, monitoring, evaluating and leading public health programmes to reduce health inequalities and improve health and wellbeing for all communities in Slough.

Apply behavioural science methodologies to understand behavioural drivers and barriers and identify opportunities for behaviour change interventions.

Provide specialist behavioural science subject matter expertise to inform and support commissioners, providers, third sector and independent sector organisations to promote and deliver improved health outcomes for communities in Slough, with a particular emphasis on the reduction of health inequalities.

Develop and oversee behavioural science projects from conception through implementation and evaluation.

Oversight and development of the community development function

Support the development of culturally competent interventions that address barriers to behaviour change.

People Management

Manage two members of staff, and others temporarily attached to the team.

Support workforce development and build behavioural science capability across the organisation.

Relationship Management & Networking

Build and maintain strong relationships with colleagues and Elected Members within the Council and across the public health system.

Proactively network and engage with organisations to gather ideas and good practice examples that can be built upon for the benefit of service delivery. Represent Public Health and the Behavioural Insights function at local, regional and national forums as required.

Develop networks that support the sharing of behavioural science expertise, innovation and best practice.

Financial & Resource Management

Manage specified public health budgets in accordance with SBC governance.

Handle and process computerised data and information with care, accuracy, confidentiality and security.

Ensure resources are used effectively and deliver value for money.

Support commissioning and procurement processes where appropriate.

Values

Uphold and model the values and behaviours of Slough Borough Council and ensure that all activities are consistent with public service values

Challenge any inappropriate behaviours as necessary.

Equality & Diversity

Work inclusively with others and provide direction to generate a positive work environment, promote cultural competency and remove barriers to accessing services.

Health, Safety & Wellbeing

Utilise relevant policies and procedures to help maintain a safe and secure work environment for employees and visitors to council premises.

About us

As part of Slough Borough Council, you will join an organisation focused on improving outcomes for residents, communities and the local environment. Our Community Team for People with Learning Disabilities works collaboratively with residents, carers, families, colleagues and partner organisations to provide high-quality, person-centred support. The team is committed to strengths-based practice, professional curiosity and making a positive difference in peoples lives.

You will be part of a friendly, supportive and inclusive working environment where colleagues share knowledge, work together and take pride in delivering services that matter. We value a strong work ethic built on compassion, accountability, innovation and respect. Staff are encouraged to contribute ideas, learn from one another and play an active role in helping the Council move forward together.

Working with us offers the opportunity to develop your career while being supported to balance work and personal commitments. Alongside a competitive salary, employees benefit from flexible and hybrid working arrangements, annual leave entitlement, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, wellbeing initiatives, employee networks and opportunities to contribute to meaningful change for the people of Slough.