A second attempt is being made by Peterborough City Council to fill the £120,917 – £147,345 a year job as director of public health. The post was first advertised in the summer with a closing date of July 16 but is being re-advertised with a new closing date of October 30.
The bid to find a new public health director comes as the city council has also advertised for a new executive director of corporate services and chief finance officer (S151 Officer) on a salary of between £151,000 – £184,000 a year.
The 37 hour a week post of public health director is needed following the recent separation of the public health service from Cambridgeshire County Council.
“We are seeking a talented individual to lead our pioneering efforts in adopting place-based approaches that prioritise community involvement and empowerment,” says the city council advert.
The council says its aim is to “address health inequalities head-on and embed public health principles into every aspect of our work.
“This is especially important given the significant and continued growth of the city and the diversity of Peterborough residents.
“There is a clear focus on improving outcomes for our children, creating healthy environments, reducing poverty and good mental health and wellbeing.”
The new director of public health will report to Stephen Taylor, the executive director of adults services.
The council says its new Peterborough Public Health team is gearing up to tackle some of the most crucial health challenges facing our community.
“This dynamic and new team is poised to make a real impact with a focus on the wellbeing of our children and young people, as well as the complex interplay between health behaviours and broader societal factors,” says the council.
“The team will work on key issues from tackling substance misuse to promoting inclusive health practices.
“But that is not all – the Public Health Intelligence team is also undergoing separation where they will be incorporated into the broader council intelligence team. Imagine the data-driven insights and impact this can have on our work across the council and with all our partners!”
The council is also looking for a new chief finance officer after Cecilie Booth announced her departure.
In recent months she has played a key role in straightening out the council’s complex deal surrounding the unfinished Hilton Hotel.
Ms Booth was appointed to the role last November having joined the city council in January 2022 as interim executive director of corporate services.
Her successor, says the council advertisement, will have a “pivotal role responsible for a broad range of services, including finance, internal audit, commercial partnerships, property, HR, IT and digital, communications, business intelligence and more”.
The advertisement adds: “Despite the financial challenges faced by the sector, the council has taken a proactive approach to addressing budgetary pressures, undertaking a city-wide consultation, “Shape Our City,” to engage residents in future service decisions.
“We are looking for a finance leader to continue this proactive approach, working with the corporate leadership team to reimagine what we do, and how we do it, creating a financially stable, modern, and sustainable council for the future.
“We are looking for a candidate with a strong performance culture, excellent communication, influencing, and negotiation skills along with energy, positivity, imagination, and an inclusive approach to leadership.
“We need someone that can make difficult decisions during challenging times; someone who can bring fresh ideas; and someone who can seize opportunities.”
