Consultant in Public Health, Barnardo’s

For Natalie Daley, the route into public health wasn’t straightforward, but that’s exactly what makes her story so powerful.

Initially drawn to a clinical career, Natalie became interested in public health while working as a junior doctor after attending a teaching session delivered by a local authority public health team. Although she went on to pursue psychiatry training, a change in direction led her to explore public health as an alternative path. A Master’s degree at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine confirmed that she had found her calling.

Looking back, Natalie identifies three key stepping stones in her journey: completing her Master’s in Public Health, securing a role as a Health Improvement Officer in local government, and being encouraged by a senior colleague, Consultant in Public Health Jeff Lake, to reapply for specialty training after several unsuccessful attempts. That persistence ultimately paid off.

One of the most important messages Natalie wants to share is that success rarely follows a perfect path.

“People sometimes assume that reaching consultant level means the journey has been straightforward. In reality, I’ve experienced burnout, unsuccessful applications and exam failures along the way.”

Today, Natalie is particularly passionate about creating a more inclusive and representative public health profession. She is helping to develop the Belonging in Public Health podcast with partners across the public health system, exploring how identity, lived experience and personal background shape careers in public health and fostering a stronger sense of belonging across the workforce.

Among her proudest achievements is leading the development of the 2023 Director of Public Health Annual Report for Wandsworth, Enough is Enough: Experiences of Mental Health in Ethnic Minorities in Wandsworth. Created in response to concerns raised by local communities, the report sought to shine a light on inequalities in mental health and provoke meaningful action across the borough.

One of the most valuable lessons Natalie has learned is that setbacks can often become strengths.

“Your biggest failures could turn out to be your superpower.” The challenges she has faced have shaped her approach as a public health leader, inspired her to train as a coach and helped her support others navigating similar experiences.

For anyone considering a career in public health, Natalie offers simple advice: there is no single route into the profession. Talk to people working in the field, stay open to opportunities and remember that public health needs people with different experiences, skills and perspectives.

Outside work, Natalie enjoys strength training, volunteering, studying Spanish and Italian, and is developing a portfolio career that combines public health, coaching and medical writing.