Public Health Programme Assistant

The Role

Do you see yourself kick‑starting a public‑health career in one of London’s most vibrant boroughs?

Can you use your curiosity, communication skills, and passion for health equity to help shape real‑world programmes?

Does the idea of joining a supportive team that champions professional growth excite you?

If yes, we have the perfect role for you!

Our Public Health Division is looking for passionate and dedicated Public Health Programme Assistants to join our Foundation Programme and help make a difference today.

About the Role:

• Three fixed‑term posts: two for 6 months (Oct 2025 – Apr 2026) and one for 2 years (Oct 2025 – Oct 2027) focused on our outreach programme.
• You’ll support policy officers or health‑intelligence analysts to deliver projects that prevent illness, tackle inequalities and improve the wellbeing of Southwark’s diverse communities.
• Typical tasks include data gathering, literature reviews, community engagement, event logistics, and producing briefings or social‑media content.
• The Foundation Programme is an entry‑level route designed to give you broad exposure to local‑government public health, build key skills, and clarify your next career step.

About You:

• Degree (or working towards one) in public health or a related discipline or equivalent experience (e.g. further education, apprenticeships, or relevant work).
• Clear interest in public‑health practice and health equity.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Good analytical ability and attention to detail.
• Collaborative mindset and willingness to learn.

Tip for your application: Refer directly to the short‑listing criteria (marked “S”) in the Job Description and show how you meet each one.

About the Team:

Southwark’s Public Health Division sits at the heart of a £120m Adult Social Care service, working with NHS, VCS and community partners to make sure every resident can live healthier, longer lives. You’ll join a friendly, multi‑disciplinary team that values inclusion, innovation and professional development. Expect regular supervision, structured learning, and plenty of opportunities to contribute ideas.

For detailed qualifications and requirements, please review the job description and person specification located at the bottom of the advert.

Additional Information:

• Three fixed‑term posts: two for 6 months (Oct 2025 – Apr 2026) and one for 2 years (Oct 2025 – Oct 2027) Hours of work, if different from the standard 36 hours Monday - Friday
• This post requires a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) DBS check at Basic level.

Information webinar:
We will be holding an information session about the programme on Thursday 17th July 12-12:45pm.

Join this information session if you want to:

• Learn more about the role and what the programme entails;
• Get some tips on writing a good application, and;
• Have an opportunity to ask questions.

Sign up for the webinar here.

Benefits and more information:

In your role, we want you to feel supported, challenged and rewarded. You will benefit from our family-friendly policies including flexible working, home working, and a local government pension scheme, plus many other staff benefits. You will join a motivated, driven and supportive team that strives for excellence and values its members. You will also be part of a successful and high-achieving development team that is making a real difference to the lives of residents in the borough. For more information about the wide variety of benefits you can take advantage of please visit our Staff Benefits page.

Recruitment timetable

Advert close date: 11:59pm on 23rd July 2025

Interview date/s: 11th – 13th August 2025 (in person)

Earliest start date for successful candidates: October 2025

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme:

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition

We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together programme. We particularly welcome applications from members of the Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.

Attachments

• Click here to view the Job Description