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Welcome to a new episode of Public Health Spotlight.

Join host River Simmons as he sits down with Steve Brown, Director of Public Health in Devon, for a compelling look at nearly three decades of public health experience shaped by risk-taking, resilience, and relationship-building in one of England’s most unique regions.

Steve shares his career-defining move from the private sector into the NHS, reflecting on how seizing opportunity and embracing change shaped his path. He opens up about leading through six reorganisations, the art and science of public health storytelling, and why strong partnerships across sectors are vital for tackling complex health challenges.

Delving into the realities of rural and coastal Devon, Steven discusses the shifting demographics, delivering services across wide geographies, and the pressing issues of ageing populations, health inequalities, and drug- and alcohol-related deaths. He explains how physical office space and creating a psychologically safe environment empower his team, why devolved decision-making matters in leadership, and how reframing health as "building blocks" helps communities and leaders better understand the factors that shape health.

Steve also gives an inside look at Devon’s new strategic plan, the ongoing response to local government reorganisation, and his passion for integrated solutions whether working with housing partners on homelessness or advocating for stronger community engagement.

Whether you’re curious about thriving in public health leadership, managing change, building effective teams, or implementing real-world innovation in challenging settings, this episode offers practical wisdom and inspiration for anyone invested in public health.

**Highlights:**

* A candid career journey: from sports science to long-standing public health leadership
* Navigating continuity and change through six NHS reorganisations
* Building trust, stability, and opportunity in Devon’s unique landscape
* The art of storytelling in shaping healthy communities and influencing leaders
* Addressing health inequalities: the realities of coastal and rural health
* Devon’s new strategic plan and public health’s central role
* Innovative approaches to drug and alcohol services and tackling homelessness
* Leadership insights: psychological safety, devolved decision-making, and inclusive environments
* Encouragement and practical advice for aspiring public health leaders

Don’t miss this rich and accessible conversation between River Simmons and Steve Brown about adapting, leading, and making health happen in the real world. Subscribe for more insight and inspiration from Public Health Spotlight.

Thank you for tuning in to Public Health Spotlight: A Panoramic Associates Podcast. For more expert discussions on public health, be sure to subscribe. Visit our website at panoramicassociates.co.uk to learn more about our work in the public health sector. This podcast is produced in collaboration with the Association of Directors of Public Health.

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Public Health Spotlight with Lincoln, Director of Public Health, Torbay

Welcome to another episode of Public Health Spotlight, brought to you by Panoramic Associates in partnership with ADPH.

In this episode, we’re joined by Lincoln, Director of Public Health for Torbay, for an open and thought-provoking conversation exploring his journey in public health leadership, from his childhood in Nevis in the Caribbean to leading public health initiatives across the UK.

Lincoln reflects on how community, collaboration, and curiosity shaped his early years and continue to influence his leadership style today. He shares insights into building high-performing teams, leading through major public health challenges, and ensuring communities remain at the heart of decision-making.

The conversation explores key moments throughout Lincoln’s career, including building a public health team from the ground up, responding to nationally significant public health incidents, and championing innovative approaches to improving health outcomes. Along the way, he offers practical leadership lessons, reflections on mentoring the next generation, and thoughts on the evolving role of public health in a rapidly changing world.

* Lincoln’s journey from the Caribbean into UK public health leadership
* The importance of community-led and asset-based approaches
* Building a public health team from scratch in North Yorkshire
* Leading through major public health incidents and crises
* Innovative approaches to suicide prevention and community engagement
* Reimagining the Director of Public Health Annual Report
* The importance of public health representation at senior leadership level
* Mentoring, resilience, and developing future leaders

Takeaways

* Why curiosity and lifelong learning are essential leadership traits
* The power of communities in improving health outcomes
* Lessons from building teams and leading organisational change
* How the role of the Director of Public Health continues to evolve
* Advice for aspiring public health leaders navigating their careers

Whether you're working in public health, local government, healthcare, or simply interested in leadership and community impact, this episode offers valuable insights, practical lessons, and inspiration from a leader dedicated to improving lives.

Thank you for tuning in to Public Health Spotlight: A Panoramic Associates Podcast. For more expert discussions on public health, be sure to subscribe. Visit our website at panoramicassociates.co.uk to learn more about our work in the public health sector. This podcast is produced in collaboration with the Association of Directors of Public Health.

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Welcome to a compelling episode of Public Health Spotlights. In partnership with ADPH, we’re joined by Peter Roderick, Director of Public Health in York, for a candid and inspiring conversation about his unconventional journey into public health leadership.

Peter Roderick opens up about starting his career in music before pivoting into public health—a journey shaped by a lifelong fascination with the interplay of art and science. He discusses the motivations that led him to stay rooted in York, how his Christian faith and commitment to the local community have influenced his approach, and the philosophies guiding his work.

This episode explores key moments and projects from Peter Roderick’s career, including leading successful tobacco control initiatives, building frontline partnerships, and championing equity, justice, and hope in health service delivery. He delves into the influential literature—like the Marmot Report and Julian Tudor Hart’s research—that has informed his population-focused mindset, and shares candid reflections on leadership as an “introverted” director dedicated to team diversity, inclusion, and humility.

Tune in for honest insights on:

- Navigating a non-traditional path from music to public health leadership

- How art and science combine to tell powerful health stories and inform strategy

- The critical impact of the Marmot Report and Sick Individuals, Sick Populations

- Defining projects: tobacco control, founding local centers of excellence, and frontline engagement

- The importance of faith, community connection, and optimism in driving public health improvement

- National work with ADPH on addictions policy and commercial determinants of health

- Building and empowering diverse local teams in a changing city

Whether you’re curious about public health storytelling, leadership beyond the spotlight, practical approaches to equity and prevention, or how values and lived experience shape a director’s vision, this episode offers thoughtful perspectives, practical wisdom, and a deep passion for community health.

Highlights:

- Art, science, and narrative: the toolkit of an effective public health director

- Bridging local and national impact through service, policy, and advocacy

- Why justice, equity, and optimism matter in health leadership

- Practical lessons on developing inclusive, resilient teams

Don’t miss this honest and insightful look into local public health leadership and innovation. Subscribe to Public Health Spotlights for more explorations into the stories, strategies, and people driving change in our communities.

Thank you for tuning in to Public Health Spotlight: A Panoramic Associates Podcast. For more expert discussions on public health, be sure to subscribe. Visit our website at panoramicassociates.co.uk to learn more about our work in the public health sector. This podcast is produced in collaboration with the Association of Directors of Public Health.