Chief Environmental Public Health Officer Directorate of Population Health

Job Description

Purpose of PostThe Welsh Government has responsibility for most aspects of public health and health service provision in Wales. This includes policy development and implementation, legislation, funding, workforce development in the health sector and operational delivery.These responsibilities are discharged by the Directorate of Population Health.The key policy objectives for PHD are derived from the programme for Government Taking Wales Forward which sets out the governments programme to drive improvement in the Welsh economy and public services, delivering a Wales which is prosperous and secure, healthy and active, ambitious and learning, united and connected. The public health agenda leads to close collaboration with all other Welsh Government Departments such as Education and Public Services, Economy, Skills, and Natural Resources.The purpose of this post is to advise and support the Chief Medical Officer, the PHD, the Health and Social Services Group and the other component parts of the Welsh Government and the wider public health service in Wales in order to provide leadership in the development of environmental public health policy and to inform the response to new and emerging threats.The post is designed to support the Chief Medical Officer in his duties. The post holder will assist in all areas of environmental public health, regulation, policy development and contemporary professional practice. He/she will be required to work without supervision to undertake and deliver specific projects and initiatives including the development and implementation of legislation. He/she will be expected to represent the Welsh Government within a wide range of environmental public health areas. Whilst maintaining an independent advisory role across Welsh Government the post holder will be expected to take a leadership role for the Public Health Division which has policy responsibility for environmental public health matters.The post holder will report to a Deputy Director within the Directorate of Population Healthcare.Disability ConfidentWelsh Government accepts the social definition of disability, in which it is recognised that barriers in society act to disable people who have impairments or health conditions or who use British Sign Language. We are committed to removing barriers so that all (or potential new staff) can perform at their best. The Equality Act 2010 uses the medical definition of disability ("a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term impact on a persons ability to carry out normal day to day activities").We guarantee to interview anyone who is disabled whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post. By minimum criteria we mean that you must provide us with evidence in your application which demonstrates that you generally meet the level of competence for the role and any qualifications, skills or experience defined as essential. We are committed to the employment and career development of disabled people.If you have an impairment or health condition, or use British Sign Language and need to discuss reasonable adjustments for any part of this recruitment process, or wish to discuss how we will support you if you were to be successful, please email SharedServiceHelpdesk@gov.wales as soon as possible and a member of the team will contact you to discuss your requirements and any questions you may have.Welsh Language RequirementsThe Welsh Government is a bilingual organisation and Welsh language skills are considered an asset to the organisation. We encourage and support staff to learn, develop and use their Welsh language skills in the workplace. The following list of language requirements represents an objective assessment by the line manager on behalf of the Welsh Government of the Welsh language skills required to undertake the duties of this particular post.Welsh language skills Not necessary to undertake the duties of this postSocial PartnershipIn Welsh Government, the relationship between the employer and trade unions is based on social partnership. We believe our goals can best be achieved by management and trade unions working together.Our 3 recognised trade unions are:

PCS

Prospect

FDA

This relationship is underpinned by a partnership agreement. This sets out how our unions work with Welsh Government on issues such as:

pay

terms and conditions

policies and procedures

organisational change.

Our Welsh Government trade union colleagues work together to give their members a real say in the workplace. They make sure that the interests of their members are promoted and protected. They also help reduce inequalities and improve terms and conditions.The Welsh Government has an excellent track record of working in partnership with its trade unions. We encourage staff to get involved. We support you to join a recognised trade union, to ensure your voice is heard in the workplace. and to learn more about trade unions and partnership working.Assessment ProcessThe Recruitment Team via the Welsh Government system will acknowledge your application and when appropriate you will be advised about the outcome of the short list meeting. Candidates who proceed to the next stage of selection will be required to complete online psychometric tests and a written brief to present to the selection panel on the day of interviews. Both activities will form part of the overall assessment required for this recruitment exercise in addition to the selection panel interview.AssessmentsShortlisted candidates will undergo:-On-line Psychometric Tests These will include numerical and verbal reasoning and a discussion with a psychologist. You will receive a link to these on-line tests within 10 working days from the shortlisting meeting. The shortlisting meeting will take place on 17 August 2020.Please note- If you have completed the online psychometric tests in the last 2 years it will not be necessary for you to take these tests again for this particular recruitment exercise. Brief to present to the panelShortlisted candidates will be given a topic/brief, on the day of their interview, to prepare a 5 minute presentation to deliver to the interview panel. Presentations will be delivered without the use of hand-outs or electronic devises; however candidates are welcome to use prompt cards.Interviews Interviews are scheduled for 14 September 2020 and it is likely that they will be held via video conferencing facilities. Interviews will last around 45 minutes. The panel will receive fe