This is an exciting opportunity to join our shared public health service working across the three neighbouring local authorities of Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes and serving a diverse population of 817,000 people. The health and wellbeing of residents is generally good but significant inequalities persist across urban and rural areas and there are ample opportunities to make a difference.

You will join our strong Consultant team to bring specialist expertise in healthcare public health, working closely with our partners in the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care System (ICS). You will regularly deputise for the Director of Public Health and will hold senior management responsibility within the public health team.

The role requires a high level of intellectual rigour, negotiation skills, motivational ability and the flexibility to deal with complex public health issues as they arise. A high level of tact, diplomacy and political awareness is also required, along with the ability to work effectively across organisational boundaries.

This is an interim appointment for 6 months. Agile working is supported.

How to apply

When you are ready to apply, click on ‘Apply for Vacancy’; you will be asked to upload a CV and answer some application questions.  The application questions require a yes/no response.  Please make sure your CV shows how you meet the requirements for the role you are applying for, the job profile below will show the essential selection criteria.  An optional CV template is provided below.  

Closing Date: 25th August 2025

Interview Date: 1st September 2025

Please note:

The Council will not normally re-employ ex-employees in receipt of:

· a severance payment (within 12 months of leaving)

· a local government pension (applies to Senior Officers only) unless the appointment is business critical

For further information, please email recruitment.team@bedford.gov.uk

Bedford Borough Council is proud to be a member of the Armed Forces Covenant and the Care Leavers Covenant, we pledge to interview any eligible job applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the job they are applying for.  Bedford Borough Council is also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer and guarantees to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the role they are applying for.  

Visa Sponsorship

Bedford Borough Council is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role