Public Health Spotlight Episode 3- Lincolnshire County Council

Welcome to another episode of “Public Health Spotlight” a podcast series by Panoramic Associates in collaboration with the Association of the Directors of Public Health dedicated to shedding light on the critical work achieved by public health professionals across the UK.

In our latest episode, Mia Collett, Business Manager for the Health and Social Care division at Panoramic Associates, sits down with Derek Ward, the Director of Public Health at Lincolnshire County Council and a visiting professor at the University of Lincoln Medical School. Join us as we delve into Derek’s unique journey, insights, and the impactful work he does in Lincolnshire. 

Please read on for a sneak peek of this episode and what you can expect to learn.

Meet Derek Ward

Derek Ward’s journey to becoming a Director of Public Health has been a unique one. Starting in a research role at Liverpool University, he quickly found himself drawn into the civil service through his work with a professor who also served as the regional director of nursing within the NHS. Over the years, Derek has worked in various roles, focusing on public health, research and development, and data analysis. He was one of the first to achieve registration through the retrospective portfolio route for the UK Public Health Register (UKPHR) and later secured his first Director of Public Health post in Derby. 

A Preview into His Role 

As the Director of Public Health for Lincolnshire, Derek’s primary goal is to improve the health and well-being of the population he serves. This often involves “sticking your nose into places that people don’t want you to,” as he puts it. While there are core statutory responsibilities around sexual health and substance misuse services, Derek emphasises the importance of being a “jack of all trades” and affecting change in many different areas. He shares an example of a falls response service implemented in Lincolnshire to address the challenges faced by their aging population. 

Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing

Derek highlights the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing in public health. He discusses how Lincolnshire learns from and adapts ideas from other regions and countries facing similar challenges, such as Scotland, Canada, and Australia. Additionally, he emphasises the value of the ADPH in advocating for the public health population and providing a unique voice to central government. 

For those aspiring to become Directors of Public Health, Derek offers valuable advice. He wishes he had known more about running a business before taking on the role, stressing the importance of time management, staff development, and having a clear business model. He also shares his thoughts on the recent King’s speech, emphasising the potential impact of the growth agenda on public health if done correctly. 

Join us for this insightful conversation with Derek Ward, as we continue our “Public Health Spotlight” series. Click the link below to listen and watch, or find the episode on your preferred platform. Stay tuned for more episodes featuring dedicated public health professionals who are making a difference in their communities. 

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