Website of the Department of Health

Three broad categories can be distinguished:

1. Those who have a role in health improvement and reducing inequalities e.g. teachers, local business leaders, managers, social workers, transport engineers, housing officers, other local government staff and the voluntary sector, as well as doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals.
2. Professionals who spend a major part, or all of their time, in public health practice. These include those working with groups and communities as well as individuals e.g. health visitors, environmental health officers and community development workers, and those who use research, information, public health science or health promotion skills in specific public health fields.
3. Public health consultants and specialists who work at a strategic or senior management level or at a senior level of scientific expertise e.g. public health statistics. The ability to manage change, to lead public health programmes and to work across organisational boundaries is a crucial skill for the profession.