Population health is an approach aimed at improving the health of an entire population. It is about improving the physical and mental health outcomes and wellbeing of people, whilst reducing health inequalities within and across a defined population. It includes action to reduce the occurrence of ill-health, including addressing wider determinants of health, and requires working with communities and partner agencies.
The need for more population health is increasingly reiterated in policy and research, which is why healthcare systems are responsible for optimising outcomes and reducing health inequalities at the population level.
This is an opportunity for health and care professionals interested in population health and passionate about health inequalities. The fellowship targets early to mid-career professionals providing NHS or public services relevant to population health (AfC band 6 and above, or equivalent; dentists-in-training; doctors-in-training post-FY2 and their SAS equivalent). The aim of the fellowship is to develop a growing network of professionals from a non-population health background with population health skills to benefit place-based healthcare systems across England.
It is a one-year part-time programme at two days a week alongside your substantive post, which starts on Wednesday 13th January 2027. Fellows will work on a supervised population health project which is focused on health inequalities and will be supported by a taught programme.
Applications are invited for up to 12 Fellows in Population Health, funded by NHS England, and based in the one of the following healthcare systems hosted by the Public Health teams commencing the programme on 13th January 2027:-
- Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council
- Plymouth City Council
- NHS Devon
- NHS Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon & Wiltshire, NHS Dorset and NHS Somerset Cluster ICB
- Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB
- Swindon Borough Council
- NHS England/OHID Regional Public Health team – base Bristol
- Somerset County Council
- Other locations in the South West to be confirmed.
Reimbursement of your salary element of the participation in the fellowship will be provided to your substantive employer and you must discuss this opportunity with your line manager and educational supervisor (if applicable) of your intentions to apply.
This fellowship is being delivered regionally. Please see the below information for further information about the role, and important documents such as the Rough Guide and FAQ Guide.
If you have any queries regarding the Fellowships in the South West, please email england.publichealth.sw@nhs.net
Closing Date for applications: – Wednesday 7th October 2026
