Thriving Beyond the Now: A Deep Dive into London’s Public Health Workforce
The Thriving Beyond the Now: Celebrating London’s Public Health Workforce conference, held on 16 January 2025, at the Oval, proved to be a resounding success.
Organised by the London Workforce Collaborative – a partnership between OHID, the Faculty of Public Health, UKHSA, ADPH London, GLA, School of Public Health and NHSE WTE, the event brought together public health professionals from across the capital with the objectives of:
- Celebrating the contributions of the entire public health workforce
- Fostering collaboration among public health professionals
- Inspiring action for a healthier London
The conference achieved these objectives through a dynamic programme of presentations, workshops, and networking opportunities.
A Day of Inspiration and Insight
The conference kicked off with a warm welcome from Rachel Wells, Head of School Public Health Speciality training for London, setting the stage for a day of insightful discussions and inspiring presentations. A distinguished line up of speakers, including Professor Kevin Fenton, Regional Director for Health Improvement and Disparities (London), Vicky Hobart, GLA Group Director of Public Health & Deputy Statutory Health Adviser, Professor Durka Dougall, Chief Executive of the Centre for Population Health and William Roberts, Chief Executive of the Royal Society for Public Health, shared their expertise and vision for the future of public health in London.
Exploring Key Themes
A diverse array of workshops delved into crucial topics shaping the future of public health in London.
- Addressing Health Inequalities: Sessions explored the pressing issue of mental health inequalities for people from minoritized racial and ethnic backgrounds, offering valuable insights and strategies for addressing these disparities.
- Fostering Inclusion: The conference highlighted the importance of creating inclusive workplaces, with a dedicated workshop on the MPower programme, which aims to improve workplace experiences for women by addressing the menopause gap.
- Innovative Partnerships: The session on “Public Health and Policing – a London perspective” showcased the power of intersectoral collaboration in addressing complex public health challenges.
A Vibrant Hub for Collaboration
Beyond the insightful presentations, the conference provided a valuable space for networking and collaboration. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the city, share experiences, and build new relationships that will undoubtedly strengthen the public health workforce in London.
Panel Discussion: Voices from the Frontline
A highlight of the conference was the panel discussion titled “Voices from the Frontline: Thriving Through Challenges, Inspiring Change.” Moderated by Rachel Wells, the panel featured:
- William Roberts, Chief Executive, Royal Society for Public Health
- Amy Stephenson, Head of Health and Wellbeing, Turning Point
- Dr Nike Arowobusoye, Consultant in Public Health, Richmond and Wandsworth Council
- Dr Charlotte Jeavons, Head of School of Human Sciences, University of Greenwich
- Professor Durka Dougall, Chief Executive of the Centre for Population Health
The panellists shared their experiences and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the public health workforce in London. Dr Arowobusoye emphasised the importance of “building resilience and supporting each other” in the face of increasing demands on public health professionals.
William Roberts highlighted the need for “innovation and collaboration” to address the complex health challenges facing London.
Dr Jeavons stressed the importance of “lifelong learning and professional development” for public health professionals to stay ahead of the curve.
A resounding success, the Thriving Beyond the Now conference served as a powerful reminder of the dedication, resilience, and innovation of London’s public health professionals. As one attendee remarked, “The conference was an invaluable opportunity to connect with colleagues and learn from leading experts. It left me feeling inspired and motivated to continue making a difference in the health of our communities.”
Key Findings from Attendee Feedback
High Satisfaction: A significant majority of attendees (90%) expressed high levels of satisfaction with the overall conference experience, rating it “Very Satisfied” or “To a great extent.”
Positive Impact:
- 95% of respondents felt the conference effectively celebrated the contributions of the entire public health workforce.
- 92% believed the conference fostered collaboration among public health professionals.
- 88% felt the conference inspired action to improve the health of Londoners.
Speaker appreciation: Professor Kevin Fenton and other key speakers received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many attendees highlighting their insightful presentations and inspiring messages.
Networking success: 85% of attendees rated their networking experience as “Very Satisfied” or “To a great extent,” emphasising the value of connecting with colleagues across the city.
The organisers extend their sincere gratitude to all speakers and attendees for their valuable contributions to the success of the conference.
Looking Ahead
Based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback, the organisers are already planning for future events. To stay tuned for updates on upcoming opportunities to connect, learn, and collaborate within the London public health community, please email england.publichealthlondon@nhs.net