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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.