Programme Manager (Health and Wellbeing Improvement)
Department of Health and Social Care
Apply before 11:55 pm on Wednesday 8th May 2024
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About the job
Job summary
In DHSC, we are proud of our purpose – to enable everyone to live more independent, healthier lives for longer. To achieve this, and create a great place to work, we have four values: we are inclusive, we constantly improve, we challenge, and we are agile. If this sounds like an environment you’d like to work in, we’d love to hear from you.
The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) officially launched on 1 October 2021 with the aim of tackling health inequalities across the country. As part of DHSC, OHID brings together expert advice, analysis and evidence with policy development and implementation working with the whole of government, the NHS, local government, industry, and wider partners (such as the Greater London Authority (GLA)) to shape and drive health improvement and equalities priorities for government.
The health and wellbeing improvement function in regions primarily supports local authorities (LAs) and the NHS to deliver improvements in population health and reduce inequalities in health and wellbeing outcomes. It also supports LAs in their commissioning and delivery of services from the Public Health Grant including mandated services e.g. sexual health services. It leads in the use of evidence-based practice to target the major causes of morbidity and mortality across the life course within the context of the wider determinants of health. It promotes parity of esteem between mental health and physical health.
The health and wellbeing improvement function works in an integrated way to ensure a major focus on health inequalities and the social determinants of health within and throughout its regions, across the wider public health system. This will involve working across the geographical region.
Applications are welcomed from individuals who wish to be based in London region. This is a generic role and public health lead areas will be agreed on appointment.
Public Health Regional Teams focus on a delivery model where staff work as part of multiple teams including place-based teams, programme teams and functional teams. Each region has specific priorities which are identified through local business plans.
Job description
The postholder(s) will coordinate and deliver high quality, specialist technical and professional public health advice to support local government with driving improvements in health outcomes and reduction in health inequalities based on evidence and cost-effectiveness. They will draw on the unique expertise and resources that sit within DHSC/OHID as well as maximise the expertise within the local public health system and support NHS England in promoting the health service role, for example in primary care, preventing poor health and addressing health inequalities.
The postholder(s) will engage and influence local authorities and the NHS to deliver improvements in population health and reduce inequalities in health and wellbeing outcomes.
Person specification
Role responsibilities
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The post holder will support the delivery of an effective service through the provision of support in the areas described:
Specialist Practice
- Using specialist knowledge to develop, lead or contribute to a range of DHSC/OHID and local priorities, applying relevant quality improvement, programme, project and change management methodologies appropriately to deliver agreed objectives.
- Researching, preparing and delivering a range of reports and presentations and support materials.
- Analysing, using and presenting outcome data to monitor health improvement and emerging trends and to inform planning decisions.
- Supporting the development and maintenance of a range of regional Public Health networks.
- Supporting the programme lead(s) to develop the business plan for the area of work.
- Organising improvement.
- Support events and meetings to share evidence, best practice and intelligence.
- Developing communication tools such as e-briefs, newsletters and on-line resources to share and communicate with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
- Ensuring LAs and partners are supported in addressing the local public health priorities in their communities via the application of intelligence, evidence and expert advice.
- Support the development of health promotion/ improvement knowledge and skills in the wider public health workforce.
Management and Leadership
- Deputise for the Consultant in Public Health as required.
- Subject to local arrangements, may manage a team of staff and responsible for day-to-day work assigned to the team.
- Ensure direct reports have appropriate professional supervision and mentorship and objectives that are based on corporate strategy and that they are held to account for their delivery.
- To ensure all staff within responsibility have an up-to-date development plan and that they receive an annual appraisal.
- Participate in and undertake audit as part of a wider programme of governance and quality/service improvement activity across the respective OHID region.
Partnerships and Collaborative Working for Health
- Contribute to the development of key relationships with a wide range of individuals and stakeholders and take responsibility for the maintenance of professional networks relevant to role.
- Provide senior leadership on monitoring the quality of health improvement activity to support local government with sector-led improvement.
- Employ effective communication, negotiation and influencing skills to enable stakeholder relationships to deliver:
- Collaborative working with partner organisations to maximise the NHS role in preventing ill health and promoting healthy living;
- Relevant liaison groups and local government arrangements with the Health and Wellbeing Boards as required;
- Other agencies such as the voluntary sector and internal departments including quality assurance in the improvement and development of systems, processes and activities.
- Identifying and disseminating good practice; establishing and maintaining effective communications to ensure that external stakeholders are appropriately informed of DHSC/OHID business and services, and vice versa.
- Managing the budgetary implications of activity.
Health Intelligence
- Develop, utilise and disseminate information and intelligence systems to underpin public health action across disciplines and organisations, leading collation and interpretation of relevant data.
- Provide and interpret data, information and advice on evidence of best practice, effectiveness and the cost-effectiveness of interventions to help with setting local priorities, producing business cases and reviewing progress against plans and indicators.
- Draft reports summarising status on issues, appraising outcomes, and providing progress reports for the programme lead, Consultant in Public Health and/or stakeholders as appropriate to role.
- Analyse, interpret and present data to highlight issues, risks and support decision making.
OTHER DUTIES
- The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by your line manager.
- The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of DHSC/OHID’s regions.
COMMUNICATION AND KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
The post holder will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal and external to DHSC.
This will include:
- Internal:
- DHSC/OHID Places and Regions
- Other DHSC/OHID divisions/directorates
- External
- Other Government Departments
- Local Authorities
- Greater London Authority (in London)
- Combined authorities
- NHS England
- NHS England Workforce, Training & Education (local offices)
- Integrated care boards
- Local Government Association
- Public Health networks
- Statutory and non-statutory provider services
- Academic and research-based partners
- Voluntary, community and faith sector organisations
Key skills and experience required for this role
Essential skills:
- Educated to degree level in relevant subject or equivalent level qualification or significant experience of working at a similar level in relevant specialist areas.
- Experience of working at a senior level in public health or relevant specialist areas.
- Specific knowledge of key specialist areas acquired through study and/or relevant experience or training acquired through study and/or relevant experience or training.
- Experience of influencing a range of commissioners and service providers within and across the health and social care sector.
- Understanding of: NHS and local government cultures, structures and policies.
- Understanding of public health practice including epidemiology, statistics, health economics, health care evaluation and health promotion.
- Understanding of health promotion / quality improvement theory methodology and practice in a range of settings and with different populations.
- Effective verbal, written and presentation communications skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts concisely and accurately.
- Ability to make decisions autonomously, when required, on difficult issues, working to tight and often changing timescales.
- Experience of researching best practice i.e. finding, reviewing, presenting, interpreting its relevance and processes / practices which could be implemented successfully to achieve system reform, advising on and promoting policy implementation and application of the best practice.
- Adaptability, flexibility and ability to cope with uncertainty, change and in a busy environment.
- Willing to engage with and learn from peers, other professionals and colleagues in the desire to provide or support the most appropriate interventions.
- Demonstrates a strong desire to improve performance and make a difference by focusing on goals.
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, and in relation to management systems.
Desirable
- Masters in public health or equivalent level of knowledge.
- Completed a recognised project and/or programme management course.
- Experience of negotiating and influencing on difficult and complex issues.
- Proven track record of leading effective change management programmes resulting in positive public health outcomes.
Flexible working location requirements
Your normal place of work will be your contractual primary workplace, in London. Within DHSC we offer non-contractual hybrid working. The expectation at present is a minimum of 60% of your working time spent in the office, enabling in person interaction and collaboration and enhancing team working, learning, and support.
You will be asked to express a location preference during the application process. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas and some travel may be required across the DHSC estate.
Opportunities for some working from home may be available; other flexible working options may be discussed with the hiring manager in line with individual circumstances and business need.
There are a limited number of DHSC colleagues who have existing agreed homeworking contracts resulting from Our Future Estate Programme 2023-2024. Colleagues covered by these arrangements are eligible to apply for this role whilst continuing their agreed existing home working arrangement. Occasional travel to DHSC offices or other locations may still be required according to business need. Travel and subsistence will be provided in line with the pre-agreed homeworker arrangements.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Leadership
- Communicating and Influencing
- Working Together
Benefits
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Sift date: W/C 06/05/2024
Interview date: expected W/C 20/05/2024
Interview location: By video
The available interview slots will be released with the sift scores.
Applications will be sifted on CV and Statement of Suitability. Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
Please use your CV to set out your career history, highlighting specific responsibilities and achievements that are relevant for this role. These can be found in the ‘key skills and experience required for the role’ section of the advert. Please also include a list of your relevant qualifications.
Please use your statement of suitability to (in no more than 500 words) outline how you meet the key skills and experience required for this role as set out in the job advert.
An initial sift based on CV may be held if a large number of applications are received. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
At interview candidates will be assessed on Behaviours, Strengths, and Experience.
Candidates will be asked to give a presentation which will assess a behaviour: Communicating and Influencing. Details of the presentation question will be issued to candidates with the release of the sift scores.
To find out more about working in the department please visit our page on the Civil Service Careers Website here and to find out more information on how to apply visit the Civil Service Careers Website here
Please be aware that some travel may be required across the DHSC estate.
Please note that applicants will require BPSS clearance.
Further Information
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Any move to DHSC from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf.
However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
Contact Government Recruitment Service via dhscrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
Complete the ‘Assistance required’ section in the ‘Additional requirements’ page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.
This role is being advertised on a permanent basis. If preferable, Loan or Secondment options will also be available for existing Civil Servants (Loan) and applicants from accredited NDPBs or any other employer (Secondment). Prior agreement to be released on a loan basis must be obtained before commencing the application process. In the case of Civil Servants, the terms of the loan will be agreed between the home and host department and the Civil Servant. This includes grade on return.
Terms and Conditions
Candidates should note that DHSC’s Terms and Conditions of employment changed from 1 October 2013. It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure they are aware of the terms and conditions they will adopt should they be successful.
New Entrants to the Civil Service
New entrants appointed in grades AA to G6 will receive DHSC’s modernised terms and conditions:
- Annual Leave: 25 days on entry rising by one day for each completed year of service to a maximum of 30 days and pro-rata for part-time staff
- Privilege Leave: 1 day - for the King’s birthday
- Hours of Work: 37 hours (net) per week for full time staff in all geographical locations, including London and pro rata for part-time staff
- Occupational Sick Pay (OSP): one month full pay/one month half pay on entry, rising by one month for each completed year of service to a maximum of five months’ full pay and five months’ half pay
- Mobility: Mobility clause in contracts allow staff to be mobile across the Civil Service
- Probation: 6 month probation period
Existing Civil Service staff transferring from another Government department, on either level transfer or promotion
All staff moving to DHSC will transfer onto DHSC’s modernised terms and conditions (as outlined above).
Existing DHSC staff, appointed on either level transfer or promotion
If DHSC’s modernised terms and conditions are already held, the employee will retain those terms and conditions. If DHSC’s pre-modernised terms and conditions are held, the employee will transfer onto DHSC’s modernised terms and conditions (as outlined above).
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Elaine Rashbrook
- Email : elaine.rashbrook@dhsc.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : dhscrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Further information
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/contact-us/
