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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.

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In this episode of Public Health Spotlight, River Simmons is joined by Katrina Stephens, Director of Public Health (DPH) for Westmorland and Furness. Katrina reflects on her distinctive career journey from studying social policy, through various roles in local authorities and the NHS, to her rapid progression from consultant to DPH. She shares how acting-up opportunities and strong professional networks supported her transition into leadership.

Katrina offers valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities of building a public health team within the newly formed Westmorland and Furness Council following its split from Cumbria. She discusses how public health has been embedded across every area of the authority from housing to highways and highlights innovative collaborations, including designing bridges with suicide prevention in mind.

The conversation explores key priorities for the region: supporting an ageing population, tackling deep-rooted health inequalities (particularly in Barrow), and addressing the unique demands of rural health delivery amid limited funding. Katrina also discusses recruitment in a sparsely populated area and the importance of ‘growing their own’ talent to create a sustainable workforce.

A standout topic is Barrow’s role in the UK’s nuclear defence industry and how this influences local regeneration, employment, and public health. Katrina explains how joint programmes with government and industry partners are helping to ensure new investment translates into better health and wellbeing for local residents.

She closes with practical advice for aspiring Directors of Public Health: seize every opportunity, build a broad range of experience, and stay open to unexpected career turns. Katrina ends on an optimistic note, celebrating the resilience, strengths, and community spirit that define Westmorland and Furness.

🎧 Tune in for an inspiring exploration of public health leadership, community regeneration, and the realities of serving a diverse and evolving region.

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 engaging episode of Public Health Spotlights, host Callum sits down with Peter Bradley, the Director of Public Health and Medical Officer of Health for the Government of Jersey. Peter shares his unique and varied career journey, which spans general practice and child health in Yorkshire, to leadership roles in England, Wales, Norway, and now Jersey. He discusses how his early experiences in medicine and a keen interest in healthcare ethics inspired him to shift toward public health, with a core focus on prevention and tackling the broader social determinants of health.

Peter offers rare insights into the differences between public health systems in Norway, Wales, and England, highlighting the importance of adapting to local cultures, building relationships, and listening closely to communities. He delves into his time as Director of Health Intelligence for Public Health England, where he led groundbreaking advances in data science and health intelligence including the development of the highly influential COVID dashboard during the pandemic.

The conversation explores the promise and challenges of AI in public health, emphasising the need for trust, data-driven decision-making, and ethical oversight. Peter reflects on his proudest achievements, including launching comprehensive public health services in Jersey, forging strong ties with diverse communities, and creating innovative system-wide approaches to health improvement.

Callum and Peter also discuss the dual responsibilities of his current role in Jersey, balancing rapid, island-wide decision-making with strategic clinical oversight. He shares the main public health challenges facing Jersey, like an aging population and health inequalities, and how his team is tackling these issues head-on.

Wrapping up, Peter offers thoughtful advice to aspiring directors of public health: be courageous, look after yourself, and approach your career as a long-term journey of learning. He encourages future public health leaders to embrace both challenge and adventure, reaffirming that, ultimately, public health is about helping people and making a real difference in their lives.

If you’re interested in understanding how public health leadership adapts across different systems, the real-world impact of data innovation, and the mindset required to champion population health, this episode is a must-watch!

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 insightful episode of Public Health Spotlights, host River Simmons sits down with Stephen Gunther, the Director of Public Health at Stoke-On-Trent. Stephen shares his fascinating career journey from his early interest in nutrition to holding leadership roles at local, regional, and European levels. He opens up about the personal experiences that acted as motivation in his journey into public health, including family tragedies and the loss of loved ones, and how those events inspired him to make a difference in the lives of others.

Stephen discusses his unique portfolio, which includes not just public health, but also leisure, wellbeing, trading standards, bereavement care, and community development. He explains the importance of diplomacy, community listening, and collaboration, both from his European Commission experience and his local government work.

The conversation dives into Stoke’s big challenges, like mental wellbeing, addiction, and high infant mortality rates, and shares how programs like Family Matters are making a measurable difference by prioritising listening to and connecting with local communities and putting the community at the forefront of everything they do. Stephen also talks about the recent recognition of his team’s work in increasing MMR vaccination rates and the strategies that led to their success.

Wrapping up, he offers practical advice for aspiring public health directors: broaden your experience, stay adaptable, and always engage directly with the community. If you want to understand the evolving landscape of public health, the importance of listening to your communities, and what it takes to lead meaningful change at the local government level, this episode is a must-watch!

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, Director Callum Gardiner sits down with Andrew Furber to explore his inspiring journey into public health, from early experiences in Nepal to senior leadership roles across the UK.

Andrew shares the pivotal moments that sparked his passion for public health, especially witnessing preventable illness in remote communities. He discusses the challenges and rewards of public health training, the evolution of leadership roles, and the importance of building and leading effective teams.

Andrew reflects on his proudest achievements, including successful tobacco control measures and improving breast screening rates, and provides actionable advice for early-career professionals considering public health leadership. They also touch on major public health priorities in the Northwest like tackling health inequalities, cardiovascular disease, and promoting prevention over reactive care.

The conversation wraps up with Andrew’s personal reflections on confidence, overcoming imposter syndrome, and valuing teamwork in driving real, lasting change for communities.

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 Spotlights, host River Simmons welcomes Helen Gollins, Director of Public Health (DPH) at Trafford, for an insightful discussion about her pathway into public health leadership. Helen recounts her career journey, from early research roles in London and public health intelligence in Manchester, through the rigorous public health training scheme, and ultimately to leading Trafford’s public health response stepping into the DPH role during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The conversation sheds light on the unique landscape of Trafford, a borough shaped by both affluence and areas of significant deprivation, plus a day-to-day population surge driven by world-class sporting venues and thriving business sectors. Helen highlights the ways in which her team adapts public health strategy across diverse neighbourhoods, tackling everything from dementia care to community vaccination rates, and leveraging strong voluntary sector partnerships.

Helen also shares her pride in spearheading innovative local initiatives, including a successful antibiotic stewardship program that has dramatically reduced unnecessary prescribing, a Greater Manchester-wide project to regulate infant male circumcision and reduce hospital admissions, and Trafford’s award-winning efforts to promote active travel.

The episode dives into the vital role of the Greater Manchester Public Health Network a collaborative, region-wide partnership of DPHs illustrating how collective leadership and shared learning are accelerating progress on challenges like smoking cessation and health inequalities across the area.

For those aspiring to public health leadership, Helen offers practical advice: build broad experience, cultivate networks, be strategic about influence, and when ready embrace the challenge of advocacy and system-wide prevention. Whether you’re considering a career in public health or seeking perspective on regional collaboration and leadership, this episode delivers actionable insights and inspiring examples from the field. Download for more illuminating conversations, and visit our website for further resources and updates.

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.