Public Health Lead - Behavioural Insights

Job summaryAs 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 jobThe 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 AccountabilitiesPlay 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 functionSupport the development of culturally competent interventions that address barriers to behaviour change.People ManagementManage two members of staff, and others temporarily attached to the team.Support workforce development and build behavioural science capability across the organisation.Relationship Management & NetworkingBuild 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 ManagementManage 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.ValuesUphold and model the values and behaviours of Slough Borough Council and ensure that all activities are consistent with public service valuesChallenge any inappropriate behaviours as necessary. Equality & DiversityWork inclusively with others and provide direction to generate a positive work environment, promote cultural competency and remove barriers to accessing services. Health, Safety & WellbeingUtilise relevant policies and procedures to help maintain a safe and secure work environment for employees and visitors to council premises.About usAs 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.DetailsDate posted03 August 2026Pay schemeOtherSalary 54,556 to 60,085 a year Fully inclusive of Local Weighting Allowance ContractPermanentWorking pattern Full-time Reference numberAA1642173SloPHLBIJob locationsObservatory House, 25 Windsor Rd,SloughBerkshireSL1 2ELUnited KingdomJob descriptionJob responsibilitiesDirectorate: Public Health & Public Protection, Communities and EngagementPay Level: 9, 54,556 - 60,085 (fully inclusive of Local Weighting Allowance)Contract Type: PermanentWorking Hours: 37 hours per week Location: Observatory House/ Slough Hybrid (minimum 2 days per week in the office) DBS requirement: Enhanced The closing date for applications is midnight on 4th September 2026Interviews will be held week commencing 14th September 2026What you’ll be doing: We are looking for an experienced and forward-thinking Public Health Lead - Behavioural Insights to provide strategic leadership for the use of behavioural science across our public health programmes, policies and partnerships.This is an exciting opportunity to shape evidence-informed interventions that improve health outcomes, reduce health inequalities and support healthier behaviours across Slough’s diverse communities. You will champion the use of behavioural insights to influence decision-making, service design and system-wide transformation, working closely with colleagues, elected members, NHS partners, voluntary sector organisations and community groups.As Public Health Lead - Behavioural Insights, you will lead the design, delivery, evaluation and continuous improvement of behavioural science programmes. You will provide expert advice to internal and external stakeholders, support the development of strategy and policy, and help ensure public health interventions are culturally competent, inclusive and grounded in evidence.You will also manage and develop staff, oversee the community development function, manage specified public health budgets and build behavioural science capability across the organisation.Our Council: Our vision is to make a difference to our communities and environment. Every employee contributes to services for local people, directly or by supporting colleagues. We celebrate diversity and want residents to enjoy fulfilling, prosperous and healthy lives. What we offer: We offer a supportive place to grow your career, where your input is valued and heard. You will join a friendly, collaborative environment where ambition and innovation are encouraged. We support flexible and hybrid working to help colleagues achieve a positive work-life balance. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, recruit on merit and value a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Annual increments, where applicable, are usually payable on 1 April, subject to six months’ service and satisfactory performance, until the maximum spinal column point is reached. Alongside a competitive salary, we provide: 26 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 days after 2 years and 33 days after 5 years’ service. The Local Government Pension Scheme Wellbeing initiatives and employee networks that help us celebrate and promote equality. Tax-free childcare and childcare services Season ticket loan to help with rail or bus travel to and from work. Accessibility and Support: Slough Borough Council is an inclusive employer. Please note that we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.Information shared will be treated confidentially and used only to provide appropriate support throughout recruitment and beyond. Our staff networks represent diverse colleague groups and help make the Council a place where people feel included and can thrive. Follow the link HERE to learn more. Right to Work and Checks: Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. If you require sponsorship, please contact [email protected] before applying. We are committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults. Appointments are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks. How we recruit at Slough Borough Council Our 8 Core Skills At Slough Borough Council, we are moving Forward Together. Our core skills reflect what we value and will form part of your interview. Click here to find out more - How we recruit | Slough Borough Council How to Apply: Please click on the Apply button below to submit your application. We look forward to hearing from you! Join Slough Borough Council and help accelerate our transformation and growth. The Council reserves the right to close adverts early should we receive a number of suitable applications. Join Slough Borough Council – Move Forward Together! Job description Job responsibilitiesDirectorate: Public Health & Public Protection, Communities and EngagementPay Level: 9, 54,556 - 60,085 (fully inclusive of Local Weighting Allowance)Contract Type: PermanentWorking Hours: 37 hours per week Location: Observatory House/ Slough Hybrid (minimum 2 days per week in the office) DBS requirement: Enhanced The closing date for applications is midnight on 4th September 2026Interviews will be held week commencing 14th September 2026What you’ll be doing: We are looking for an experienced and forward-thinking Public Health Lead - Behavioural Insights to provide strategic leadership for the use of behavioural science across our public health programmes, policies and partnerships.This is an exciting opportunity to shape evidence-informed interventions that improve health outcomes, reduce health inequalities and support healthier behaviours across Slough’s diverse communities. You will champion the use of behavioural insights to influence decision-making, service design and system-wide transformation, working closely with colleagues, elected members, NHS partners, voluntary sector organisations and community groups.As Public Health Lead - Behavioural Insights, you will lead the design, delivery, evaluation and continuous improvement of behavioural science programmes. You will provide expert advice to internal and external stakeholders, support the development of strategy and policy, and help ensure public health interventions are culturally competent, inclusive and grounded in evidence.You will also manage and develop staff, oversee the community development function, manage specified public health budgets and build behavioural science capability across the organisation.Our Council: Our vision is to make a difference to our communities and environment. Every employee contributes to services for local people, directly or by supporting colleagues. We celebrate diversity and want residents to enjoy fulfilling, prosperous and healthy lives.