Public Health - Healthy Weight Programme Lead

Public Health - Healthy Weight Programme Lead

This role will lead the coordination and project management of weight management programmes and obesity prevention workstreams across Northwest London. The postholder will also take a leadership role in implementing a Whole Systems Approach to Healthy Weight, ensuring a collaborative and effective approach to reducing obesity across the region.

This position will:

1. Improve the coordination of obesity and weight management programmes across NW London.
2. Lead interventions and training on behalf of the eight NW London boroughs for three days per week.
3. Deliver a Whole Systems Approach to Healthy Weight at a local level for two days per week.

Background & Importance of the Role

Obesity is a complex and pressing public health challenge, with significant impacts on individual health, the healthcare system, and society as a whole. Addressing obesity requires a multi-sectoral, whole-system approach that engages stakeholders across different geographies and sectors beyond traditional health and social care services.

In NW London, the prevalence of overweight and obesity varies significantly, ranging from 45.5% in some boroughs to over 62% in others. Certain groups-particularly Asian and Black ethnic communities, women, and older populations-are disproportionately affected.

Key Responsibilities

1. Coordination of Weight Management Services Across NW London (3 Days Per Week)

• Support the consolidation and coordination of Tier 1 - Tier 4 weight management services across NW London.
• Map and integrate other weight management programmes (e.g., Digital Weight Management, Diabetes Prevention Programme) to complement existing services.
• Work closely with the Integrated Care Board (ICB), NHS Trusts, and borough-level stakeholders to ensure effective service utilisation and clear eligibility pathways.
• Maximise service capacity by working across the eight NW London boroughs, ensuring interventions are well-integrated and accessible.

1. Whole Systems Approach to Healthy Weight (2 Days Per Week)

• Lead on the design and implementation of a Whole Systems Approach to Healthy Weight at a local level.
• Work across local authority departments, healthcare providers, community organisations, and other sectors to ensure a collaborative approach to tackling obesity.
• Develop and implement interventions, training, and stakeholder engagement initiatives to enhance public health outcomes.

1. Strategy & Modelling for Effective Pathways

• Undertake system-wide analysis to inform weight management strategies.
• Map and model pathways to ensure service provision aligns with population health needs.
• Use data-driven approaches to improve weight management services and ensure accessibility for high-risk populations.

1. Stakeholder Engagement & Capacity Building

• Build and maintain strong partnerships with public health teams, NHS providers, local authorities, and voluntary sector organisations.
• Deliver training, workshops, and knowledge-sharing sessions to enhance weight management expertise across the system.
• Ensure alignment with national and regional public health policies, contributing to broader strategies aimed at reducing obesity.

Person Specification

Essential Requirements

• A degree in Public Health, Nutrition, Health Economics, Social Science, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Experience in project management and coordination within public health or weight management programmes.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills across different sectors.
• Ability to analyse and interpret public health data, contributing to the development of effective service pathways.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience in mapping services and developing integrated care pathways.
• Knowledge of modelling approaches for population health services (desirable but not essential).
• Understanding of whole systems approaches in public health, particularly in tackling obesity.

Why Join Us?

• Impactful Work: Lead high-priority projects tackling one of the most pressing public health challenges in NW London.
• Cross-Borough Collaboration: Work across multiple London boroughs, influencing regional health policy.
• Opportunity for Innovation: Be at the forefront of shaping weight management strategies, using data and systems-based approaches.

If you are passionate about public health, obesity prevention, and