Training and Professional Development

You can enter a local authority public health team through lots of different routes, depending on your background, interests and stage of career. Many people start with a BSc in Public Health or an affiliated degree such as Environmental Health, Nutrition, Psychology, Sport Science or another field linked to population wellbeing. Others join after completing an MSc or MPH, which offers a deeper grounding in epidemiology, data, health systems and the practical skills used across public health roles. Experience from related professions – like sexual health nursing, early years services, community work or health improvement—can also be a strong foundation, especially if you’ve worked directly with communities or frontline services.

For those who prefer a work‑and‑study route, the Level 6 Public Health Practitioner Apprenticeship and Level 7 Health Intelligence Apprenticeship offer structured training, funded learning and on‑the‑job experience. You can also enter through the Local Authority Graduate Scheme, which provides rotational placements and leadership development. Each route offers a different way to begin a rewarding career in public health.

Local authority public health teams cover a huge range of topics – from Mental Health and VAWG (Violence Against Women & Girls) to Sexual Health, Health Protection, Early Years, Health Improvement, Inequalities, and the Wider Determinants of Health. Roles span specialist functions, intelligence, commissioning and frontline delivery. Below you’ll find pan London development opportunities designed to support officers and strategists as they progress.

Thematic networks

ADPH London’s Thematic Networks bring public health professionals together to learn, collaborate and deepen expertise across 11 priority areas. They offer shared insight, peer support and practical learning to help officers grow, progress and excel in their field. Explore our networks here.

Masterclasses

The London South Bank University Accredited Masterclasses offers a structured set of workshops designed to deepen skills, strengthen core public health knowledge and build confidence in Public Health roles. It’s ideal for officers looking to consolidate their practice, broaden their understanding of evidence, epidemiology and ethics, and prepare for future progression. The programme directly supports the competencies required for UKPHR Practitioner Registration by generating portfolio‑ready evidence and applying learning to real‑world work. Email: england.publichealthlondon@nhs.net to join the next cohort.

Practitioner

The UK Public Health Register (UKPHR) Practitioner Scheme supports public health professionals to gain formal registration by building a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates their competence against National Standards. The London Scheme, funded by NHS England, offers structured support—including workshops, peer sessions, and 121 guidance—over approximately 16 months to help eligible public and third-sector practitioners across London complete this process. Registration enhances credibility, supports career progression, and affirms your expertise through objective assessment. Email: england.publichealthlondon@nhs.net to join the next cohort.
Whilst the Practitioner scheme is free to undertake, annual registration fees upon completion can be found here.

Assessors

Assessing UKPHR practitioner commentaries is a valuable opportunity for those wanting to strengthen their analytical, reflective and assessment skills. Accredited assessors review practitioner portfolios, provide constructive feedback and maintain the quality of the registration process. To be eligible, you’ll need an MSc in Public Health and at least two years’ senior level experience; mentoring or assessment experience is helpful but not essential. The commitment is 5.5–7.5 days a year, including a free two day training course, portfolio assessments and support meetings. Interested? Email england.publichealthlondon@nhs.netto learn more.

Fellowship

NIHR Fellowships offer a unique, fully funded opportunity for local authority public health colleagues to develop research skills while staying in practice. With options from internships to doctoral study, fellows gain protected time, training, mentorship and funding to explore real-world challenges and generate evidence that improves services and population health. It’s a flexible, supported pathway to build confidence, influence practice, and grow as a practitioner researcher within the public health system. More info here.

The Public Health Specialty Training Scheme (PHST) is the main route to becoming a Public Health Consultant, offering five years of salaried training with funded placements across local authorities, UKHSA and academic settings, plus an MPH (if needed) and two professional exams. Part A Exam tests scientific basis of public health and Part B assesses practical application of skills. Trainees are paid on NHS pay scales, with non medics aligned to Agenda for Change (AfC) Band 8d and additional pay once on the health protection rota. Entry requires 48 months’ experience, including 24 months at Band 6+ in population health roles. Completing the scheme overseen by the Faculty of Public Health, opens the door to consultant-level posts and senior leadership across the public health system.

Retrospective Portfolio

The UKPHR Specialist Registration by Portfolio Assessment (SRbPA) route offers experienced public health professionals an alternative to specialty training, enabling them to evidence consultant level competence through a retrospective portfolio. It’s not a developmental pathway, instead designed for those already working at senior level and able to meet all Knowledge and Show How competencies. The process has two stages:

1. a pre application confirming readiness, followed by
2. up to 18 months to submit a full portfolio for assessment.

Completing SRbPA leads to specialist registration – unlocking consultant roles and strengthening the local public health workforce. Learn more on the UKPHR website.

Placement Pilot

Nearly there but not quite hit all your competencies? The SRbPA Placement Pilot is a new initiative helping London’s experienced public health professionals in the process of completing SRbPA by offering structured placements in host London organisations.

Running from April 2025 to March 2027, the pilot bridges competency gaps through real-world project experience, without requiring contractual change. Contact NHSE Workforce Training & Education Directorate

London support programme

London’s Enhanced Support Programme helps experienced public health professionals navigate the SRbPA route with personalised development conversations, portfolio guidance, peer support, access to registrar training days, project opportunities to fill ‘Show How’ gaps, and exam revision support. It’s ideal for those already working at consultant level and aiming to submit a strong pre application within 18 months.

Interested? Email NHSE Workforce Training & Education Directorate

National Portfolio Network

The national SRbPA Portfolio Network offers monthly virtual support and a shared KHub space for public health professionals completing, or preparing for, the SRbPA route. It’s a valuable development opportunity – connecting you with peers, practical advice and real world insight to strengthen your portfolio and confidence. Anyone progressing through SRbPA, or considering pre application, is welcome to join the network.

Employer support

Got someone in your team completing the portfolio? Read how you can support them. The UKPHR employer guidance helps managers understand the SRbPA process, offer practical support and feel confident having open conversations with applicants.

ADPH London Thematic leadership

Becoming an ADPH London Theme Lead is a valuable development opportunity for senior public health professionals to influence pan‑London priorities. Leads represent local authority public health, contribute strategic insight at system level, and strengthen networks – offering experience that builds confidence, visibility and readiness for senior leadership roles. Opportunities are communicated via ADPH London channels on an ongoing basis, but if you are interested in getting involved with any particular thematic area or network, contact us by emailing office@adphlondon.org.uk

Verifiers

Verifiers are senior public health specialists (CPH with two years’ experience) who play a lighter, more focused role than assessors. They independently check a practitioner’s portfolio meets UKPHR standards and then discuss their review at a verification panel, helping candidates move toward registration. It’s a supportive, rewarding way to build insight, develop professionally and strengthen London’s workforce. More information is available here. Register your interest by emailing: england.publichealthlondon@nhs.net

Professional Appraiser

Professional appraisers play a key role in supporting colleagues’ development through high quality annual appraisals. If you’re a GMC, UKPHR or GDC registrant, you can train as an appraiser. It’s a friendly, flexible way to strengthen your coaching and leadership skills while giving back to the system. If you’ve completed at least three appraisals and can commit to two per year, email appraisers@ukhsa.gov.uk to get started.

Mentoring

SRbPA mentors support London’s experienced public health professionals as they work toward specialist registration. As a mentor, you’ll offer 1:1 feedback, help colleagues strengthen their portfolios, and facilitate small peer learning sessions. It’s a friendly, rewarding way to grow your own leadership and coaching skills while supporting the next generation of public health specialists. If you’re a consultant with SRbPA insight and a passion for developing others, contact NHSE Workforce Training & Education Directorate to get involved.

Assessors

An SRbPA Assessor is a seasoned public health consultant who reviews specialist portfolios for UKPHR, helping decide who’s ready for specialist registration. You’ll use your judgement, insight and experience to support colleagues, give constructive feedback and uphold high professional standards. For consultants, it’s a rewarding way to give back, sharpen assessment and mentoring skills, meet inspiring peers, and strengthen the future public health workforce. Contact england.publichealthlondon@nhs.net to get involved.

Aspiring Public Health Leaders Programme

A national leadership development offer for experienced public health professionals ready to step into senior roles. Delivered by the University of Birmingham, it combines workshops, coaching and peer learning to build system leadership skills and support collaborative approaches to improving population health and reducing inequalities. 6 modules run Dec 26–Sept 27, blending in-person workshops, residentials, coaching and Action Learning Sets. Open to those with 2+ years’ leadership experience; requires a sponsor and around 3 hours/week learning. Free. Apply by 31 July. More info here.

Directors of Public Health (DsPH) are statutory roles in local authorities, leading efforts to improve population health, reduce inequalities and protect communities. They report to the Council’s Chief Executive and Regional DPH, Kevin Fenton, while working across NHS, UKHSA and partners. They provide strategic leadership, advise decision-makers, commission services, and act as system leaders across London’s public health system.

New DPH Workshop

The New DsPH Workshop is a welcoming space for those new to the Director of Public Health role to connect, reflect and learn together. Through peer networking, shared experiences, and insights from senior leaders, it supports confidence, leadership development and early problem‑solving. It also helps build lasting peer networks for ongoing support. Reach out for the next date membership@adph.org.uk

Shadowing

Shadowing opportunities give Directors of Public Health the chance to spend time with partners across the system, observing how different organisations work and tackling real‑world challenges. It’s a great way to gain fresh insight, build relationships, and explore future career pathways beyond the DPH role. Sign up here: membership@adph.org.uk

Mentoring

The ADPH UK Mentoring Scheme offers DsPH a supportive space to reflect, grow and connect with peers across the system. Whether mentoring or being mentored, you’ll gain fresh perspectives, strengthen leadership skills and support others’ development. It’s a rewarding way to invest in yourself while shaping the next generation of public health leaders. Email: membership@adph.org.uk to find out more and get involved.

Peer Groups

ADPH UK’s Peer Groups offer new or returning DsPH a supportive space to connect, share challenges and learn together. Through regular discussions on WeDPH and quarterly meetings, you can ask questions, exchange ideas, and gain insight from experienced peers. It’s a valuable way to build confidence, reflect and feel part of a strong professional network. Email: membership@adph.org.uk to find out more.

Chairs and Vice chairs

ADPH London Chairs and Vice-Chairs lead and represent London’s public health system at a senior level. They shape priorities, respond to emerging issues, and act as the collective voice of our regional network of Directors of Public Health. They build partnerships across London, chair key meetings, and guide shared work programmes. Vice-Chairs support and deputise, helping ensure strong, connected leadership across the system. Chairs and Vice Chairs are elected by membership voting. Elections run every 2 years with the next ones due at the end of 2026.

Action Learning Sets

Action Learning Sets bring small groups of Directors of Public Health together to explore real leadership challenges through structured discussion, reflection and action planning. Meeting regularly, you’ll learn from peers, gain fresh insight, and strengthen your leadership practice in a supportive space. It’s a powerful way to pause, think and grow. Email: membership@adph.org.uk to register.

Retirement workshops

The Beyond DPH workshop offers a supportive space for DsPH approaching retirement. Through guided discussions, peer learning and panel conversations, it helps you reflect on your journey, explore future opportunities, and plan what comes next. It’s a valuable chance to step back, gain clarity and shape your next chapter. Register for the next workshop by emailing: membership@adph.org.uk