The COVID-19 pandemic has represented the greatest challenge ever faced by the UK health and care system. Public health has played a key role in keeping people safe during the pandemic. As the UK starts to build back better and enter the recovery phase, directors of public health have a vital leadership role to play. With the establishment of the new National Institute for Health Protection, the delivery of health improvement functions is undergoing significant change.

The Department of Health and Social Care’s legislative proposals for a Health and Care Bill represent a continuation of the collaborations built between health and social care during Covid-19. There has also been a shift towards prevention following the Department of Health and Social Care’s consultation in 2019.

This timely event focuses on the key issues facing public health in the UK as we move towards a future after the Covid-19 pandemic. It features case studies demonstrating how local government and the NHS are tackling key issues such as prevention, mental health, behavioural change, workforce issues, children’s health and addressing health inequalities.

Keynote addresses by senior policymakers will give an insight into issues such as public health funding for local authorities, the role of digital and mobile health interventions for behaviour change and how the new National Institute for Health Protection will focus on a rigorous science-led approach to public health protection.