Public Health Engagement Leads (PHELs)

A PHEL facilitates connections between local authorities, HDRC's, Local Authority Research Practitioners (LARPs) and the SCPH by promoting the value of being a research active organisation. The post provides an opportunity to advocate for and develop partnership work in order to build stronger links with appropriate expertise and infrastructure. 

PHELs work across a district or region consisting of a number of local authorities (for example, by devolved or combined authority areas, ICS or OHID region - suggestions are invited in the application). It is not essential that the PHEL has long established and pre-existing relationships across numerous local authorities and networks prior to applying but must demonstrate they have the ability to develop these over time. The post holder will be an existing local authority employee. Employees of other organisations are not eligible for this call but may be considered for future opportunities. They will currently be working in a role tackling the wider determinants of health and requiring strong leadership skills, for example, those working in senior public health, policy, or community development roles. 

Within the 0.1FTE protected time there are minimal operational responsibilities as the focus for the PHEL is to connect, promote and advocate for research across their geographical area. 

In December 2024, we agreed funding for our first 8 PHELs and in June 2025, we agreed funding for a further 6 PHELs representing over £200,000 investment into local authorities. 

All of our PHELs work in roles tackling the wider determinants of health and have strong leadership skills working in senior public health, policy, and community development roles. Their ability to facilitate connections with appropriate research expertise and infrastructure will help in making significant steps in the development of capacity and capability for research in local government. 

Role requirements   

• Have strong interpersonal and motivational skills, providing robust and visible leadership to work with and influence stakeholders (including the local authority workforce, elected members, VCSEs, community representatives and the public; and the SCPH, NIHR and other research funders and organisations) at all levels. 

• Can identify, develop, and maintain effective relationships with relevant partners and stakeholders, including senior leaders, local authority colleagues and the public, to promote and support research in local government. 

• Can be an ambassador for the NIHR RSS Specialist Centre for Public Health with the ability to bring colleagues together to work collaboratively for the overall benefit of the wider research community. 

Key responsibilities: 

• Provide leadership and advice on developing opportunities for public health research, becoming a key contact for the local authorities in their specified geography. 

• Champion a culture where the use of research evidence is at the centre of decision making in local government.  

• Identify and enable opportunities for research collaboration within and between local authorities, regionally and nationally.  

• Use new and existing networks to promote and facilitate access to the support available from the SCPH, wider NIHR infrastructure and opportunities for research funding and training.  

• Foster an inclusive environment, engage the strengths of diverse people and communities and improve the relevance and quality of research and practice.

• Support the achievement of the SCPHs strategic priorities by sharing expertise, local knowledge, and examples of good practice, and participate in relevant SCPH regional and national networks and events.