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In this episode of Public Health Spotlights, Callum is joined by Christina Gray, Director of Communities and Public Health for Bristol. Together, they explore Christina's inspiring journey from her Scottish roots and early passion for social justice, to her work in grassroots homelessness and youth justice, and finally to her leadership of transformative public health programmes across the city.

Christina reflects on how her upbringing in Scotland shaped her core values fairness, public service, and a drive to level the playing field. These values guided her natural progression through social work, community health development, and ultimately into public health leadership, as opportunities for non-medical specialist training opened up.

The conversation highlights key projects that have defined Christina’s career. She shares powerful lessons learned from working directly with homeless individuals and within diverse communities in Northern Ireland during the Troubles. Notable initiatives include leading Bristol’s Race and Health Equity Programme a collaborative effort, driven by Black professionals and supported by wider partnerships that is helping shape integrated care and address deep-rooted inequalities in the city’s health system.

One recent standout programme is Bristol’s innovative “Health at Night” initiative, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic. Christina describes how her public health reports highlighted the unique needs and health disparities faced by the city’s large nighttime workforce and those involved in Bristol’s vibrant festival and entertainment scene. Efforts such as the “Bristol Rules” for nightlife safety, training for taxi drivers and leisure staff in safeguarding and mental health, and a city-wide focus on wellbeing and prevention are transforming how Bristol supports its residents and visitors, around the clock.

The episode delves into Bristol’s public health landscape, revealing a young and diverse population with stark inequalities deeply embedded in the city's fabric. Christina outlines the city’s multi-layered approach: delivering core public health services, harnessing the convening power of local government, and collaborating through the innovative One City Partnership to tackle root causes housing, education, transport, and employment. She shares examples of cross-sector partnerships with arts, culture, and the economy boards, ensuring that public health is integrated into city life and that opportunities are accessible to all.

In a personal reflection on leadership, Christina pays tribute to key mentors and community leaders who demonstrated resilience, integrity, and the power of collaboration values she carries forward in her pragmatic, humble, and opportunity-focused leadership style. Her advice to her younger self and to future public health leaders? Be true to yourself, embrace both your strengths and vulnerabilities, and don’t wait for perfection before stepping up to lead.

Tune in for an insightful exploration of what makes Bristol unique, how long-term partnerships and community action can transform the health of a city, and why social justice and humility remain at the heart of effective public health leadership.

Thank you for tuning in to Public Health Spotlight: A Panoramic Associates Podcast. For more expert discussions on public health, be sure to subscribe. Visit our website at panoramicassociates.co.uk to learn more about our work in the public health sector. This podcast is produced in collaboration with the Association of Directors of Public Health.

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In this episode of Public Health Spotlight, Callum sits down with Colin Cox, Director of Public Health (DPH) for Cumberland Council, to trace Colin’s journey through three decades of public health leadership in northern England. Colin shares how his unconventional career began with a psychology degree and early work on addiction and substance misuse in Stockport, before moving into broader public health roles and eventually leadership positions in Manchester and Cumbria.

Colin discusses the impact of integrated partnership working, particularly through Manchester’s trailblazing Joint Health Unit, where the NHS and local authority joined forces well ahead of national reforms. He highlights the importance of culture, leadership, and collaboration crediting inspiring figures like David Regan for creating the conditions for success and reflects on landmark initiatives like the Food Futures Program and Valuing Older People, which took holistic approaches to community health.

The conversation explores unique challenges faced by Cumberland, such as hidden rural deprivation, super-aged populations, and difficulties with data-driven decision making in sparsely populated areas. Colin describes how lessons from urban Manchester informed public health strategies in rural Cumbria, emphasising the need to adapt services to local realities from improving transport access for older adults to identifying underserved communities.

Colin also sheds light on the impact of local government reorganisation, sharing the practical and emotional challenges of splitting a successful team, and the opportunities it brought like a broader leadership portfolio that now covers environmental health, trading standards, customer services and community engagement. He reveals how bringing diverse teams under one directorate has fostered stronger collaboration, making it easier to put prevention and wellbeing at the heart of council services.

Reflecting on leadership, Colin offers advice to aspiring DPHs: embrace the breadth and ambiguity of public health, shape organisational culture, and don’t underestimate the value of a good team. He closes with a personal lesson don’t take yourself too seriously, and remember to find time for relaxation alongside professional ambition.

Tune in for a thoughtful exploration of public health leadership, rural and urban challenges, and how resilience and adaptability shape healthier communities in Cumberland.

Thank you for tuning in to Public Health Spotlight: A Panoramic Associates Podcast. For more expert discussions on public health, be sure to subscribe. Visit our website at panoramicassociates.co.uk to learn more about our work in the public health sector. This podcast is produced in collaboration with the Association of Directors of Public Health.

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In this episode of the Public Health Spotlight podcast, host Callum sits down with Jason Strelitz, Corporate Director of Adults, Health and Communities for the London Borough of Newham. Jason shares his inspiring journey into public health, sparked by a passion for social justice, child health, and his pivotal work alongside Sir Michael Marmot on the Marmot Review.

Jason reflects on the challenges and lessons from leading Newham’s COVID-19 response one of the hardest-hit areas in the UK explaining how public health became central to community life during the pandemic. He discusses emotional moments from the crisis, community resilience, and the importance of partnerships, particularly through innovative programmes such as the COVID Health Champions and the vitamin D campaign for older adults.

The conversation also explores Jason’s leadership philosophy, his approach to collaboration across public health and adult social care, and the impactful initiatives developed in Newham to tackle inequalities and improve health outcomes. Jason offers advice for future public health leaders, emphasising vision, evidence-based practice, and the power of teamwork.

As Jason prepares for his new role at the Health Foundation, he discusses his excitement about influencing national policy and driving forward the prevention agenda. Listeners will find this episode full of practical insights, moving stories, and inspiration for anyone interested in public health, community engagement, and leadership.

Key topics covered:

Jason’s early career and work with Sir Michael Marmot

Leading Newham’s COVID-19 response and lessons learned

Building partnerships and community-centred approaches

Cross-sector collaboration between public health and social care

Innovative initiatives to tackle health inequalities

Advice for aspiring public health professionals

Thank you for tuning in to Public Health Spotlight: A Panoramic Associates Podcast. For more expert discussions on public health, be sure to subscribe. Visit our website at panoramicassociates.co.uk to learn more about our work in the public health sector. This podcast is produced in collaboration with the Association of Directors of Public Health.