Public Health Spotlight Episode 6 – Nottingham City Council

Improving Health and Reducing Inequalities with DPH Lucy Hubber in Nottingham

Welcome to the latest episode of “Public Health Spotlight,” a podcast series brought to you by Panoramic Associates in collaboration with the Association of Directors of Public Health. Our podcast is dedicated to shining a light on the essential work achieved by public health professionals across the UK.

In Episode 6, Mia Collett, Business Manager of the Health and Social Care Division at Panoramic Associates, sits down with Lucy Hubber, the Director of Public Health for Nottingham City Council. Together, they explore Lucy’s journey in public health, the unique challenges and opportunities in Nottingham, and her award-winning innovative practices. 

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

Get to Know Lucy Hubber

Lucy Hubber’s public health journey started after university, working on projects that integrated evidence into decision-making. She then joined the NHS, traversing multiple roles and eventually serving as Head of Commissioning for Children and Maternity Services with significant impact. Lucy became the Director of Public Health in Luton during the COVID-19 pandemic—a period that profoundly shaped her approach. For the past three years, she has been leading public health initiatives in Nottingham, a city with distinctive public health challenges and strengths. 

A Preview into Her Role 

As the Director of Public Health (DPH) for Nottingham, Lucy Hubber shoulders the critical duty of enhancing health, protecting the population, and reducing inequalities. She underscores the importance of being a “broker of change,” leveraging the combined authorities, place-based partnerships, and integrated care systems to achieve substantial health outcomes. Her role is not just about direct implementation but about facilitating and inspiring change at all levels. 

Nottingham’s Distinct Challenges and Opportunities

Lucy paints a vivid picture of Nottingham—a core city with tight borders and diverse levels of deprivation. A significant portion of Nottingham’s population resides in some of the country’s most deprived areas, presenting both formidable challenges and unique opportunities. Despite high smoking rates and economic struggles, Nottingham’s strong community spirit and proactive voluntary sector offer a fertile ground for impactful public health work. 

Award- Winning Innovative Practices

Lucy discusses her innovative approach to utilising the public health grant, which earned her the Innovative Practice Award at the 2023 ADPH Conference. By meticulously analysing spending and focusing on eligible, impactful outcomes, Nottingham has set a new benchmark for other local authorities. Lucy’s leadership has transformed public health funding strategies to prioritise genuine, measurable improvements in health outcomes. 

The Value of Professional Networks

Lucy emphasises the benefits of being part of larger networks, like the ADPH, for mutual support and collaboration. These platforms offer immense value through shared experiences and collective problem-solving, vital for any DPH navigating the complexities of their role. 

Words of Wisdom

For aspiring DPHs, Lucy offers invaluable advice: cultivate kindness and trust in your team. Building a culture of kindness encourages a positive, productive work environment, leading to better retention and overall success. She also highlights the importance of skills in resilience, strategic thinking, and relationship building, which are crucial for balancing the multifaceted demands of the role. 

 Join us for this enlightening conversation with Lucy Hubber in our latest “Public Health Spotlight” episode. Click the links below to listen and watch or find us on your preferred platform. Look forward to more episodes featuring dedicated public health leaders who are making a difference in their communities. 

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