Ben Seifert, Public Health Officer and Healthy Schools Programme Lead, Haringey Council

Public health was not always part of Ben Seifert’s career plan. He entered the profession through a six-month placement on a local government graduate scheme and immediately found himself inspired by public health’s focus on prevention, equity and community impact. Four years later, he remains passionate about the field and the difference it can make to people’s lives.

Ben credits three key stepping stones in his journey. The first was his academic background in sociology, which provided valuable insights into social behaviour, organisations and inequalities. The second was the graduate scheme itself, which gave him a strong understanding of local government and introduced him to inspiring public health colleagues. The third was securing his current role as Healthy Schools Programme Lead, which has allowed him to work across a wide range of public health priorities and gain extensive experience.

One of Ben’s proudest achievements was leading Haringey’s Gambling Harms Reduction Programme. At a time when gambling harms were receiving relatively little public health attention, the programme delivered community awareness campaigns, workforce training, support pathways and policy advocacy. Seeing the programme later receive recognition through an award validated the team’s efforts and strengthened his commitment to tackling emerging public health issues.

Today, Ben is particularly interested in the opportunities created by changes in schools and early years settings, including health education, food standards and safeguarding reforms. He is motivated by seeing the direct impact of his work on children, families and professionals, and believes successful implementation is the key to turning good ideas into lasting health improvements.