Public health knowledge and intelligence professionals help to provide information that's essential both for identifying issues that have a negative effect on people’s health, and for planning to deal with those issues.
There is no standard national entry route into public health knowledge and intelligence roles, although there are various schemes and training programmes, mostly at regional level within the NHS and with Public Health England. Apprenticeships are available in health informatics, intelligence analysis and libraries, archives, records and information management services.
Your working hours are likely to vary depending on the employer and nature of the work. For example, working hours may generally be from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday but there may be variations to this which are determined by the individual employer or by events, conferences etc.
As a knowledge and intelligence professional you'll need a range of skills which include an interest in data and attention to detail, for example, in collecting, analysing and interpreting data and being able to present information in easy to understand ways. You should also have well developed IT skills, be a good communicator and enjoy working both on your own initiative as well as part of a team.
You might start out as an assistant librarian, and progress to librarian, head librarian or into a managerial role. Or, you might start out as an analyst and progress to a more senior position, such as senior analyst, statistician, public health principal or head of intelligence.
Related roles
Clinical bioinformatics combines computer science, statistics, mathematics, and engineering to study and process biological data.
For the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP) you’ll need a 1st or 2.1 either in an undergraduate honours degree or an integrated master’s degree in a pure or applied science subject relevant to the specialism for which you are applying. If you have a relevant 2.2 honours degree, you will also be considered if you have a higher degree in a subject relevant to the specialism for which you are applying. Evidence of research experience is considered desirable.
NHS staff will usually work a standard 37.5 hours per week. They may work a shift pattern. Most jobs in the NHS are covered by the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay scales. Trainee clinical scientists train at band 6 level, and qualified clinical scientists are generally appointed at band 7. With experience and further qualifications, you could apply for posts up to band 9. Terms and conditions of service can vary for employers outside the NHS.
To work in bioinformatics (physical sciences) you’ll need: effective communication skills, confidence with computer technology, systems and processes and be able to work as part of a team
With further training and/or experience, you may be able to develop your career further and apply for vacancies in areas such as further specialisation, management, research, or teaching.