Developing the public health practitioner workforce in England: lessons from theory and practice

Area of Science:

• Public Health Workforce Development
• Health Policy Implementation
• Professional Education

Background:

• Public health practitioners are crucial for national policy delivery in England.
• England's Chief Medical Officer identified three key workforce groups vital for public health.
• This study addresses the needs and methods for developing the public health practitioner workforce.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline a conceptual framework for public health workforce development.
• To present a multidisciplinary skills development program for public health practitioners.
• To explore strategies for enhancing the public health workforce in England.

Main Methods:

• A five-component conceptual framework was developed from a national Open Space event.
• The framework includes strategic support, national professional support, career building, local development, and sub-regional skills.
• A new multidisciplinary skills program for health visitors, school nurses, and environmental health officers was detailed, including initial evaluation.

Main Results:

• The conceptual framework provides a structure for workforce development.
• The multidisciplinary skills program illustrates effective sub-regional skills development.
• Initial findings suggest the program is beneficial for targeted public health practitioner groups.

Conclusions:

• Workforce development should align with public health principles like self-determination and collective responsibility.
• National leadership and local, evidence-based training are key to rapid workforce upskilling.
• Sustained investment, sector-wide frameworks, and local champions are necessary for success.