What we do

To fulfil our role in standard setting and supporting the public health profession the Faculty of Public Health works in three key areas:

 

Education and Standards

Setting, monitoring and promoting standards in education and training for public health in the UK through:

  • Examinations
  • Specialist accreditation
  • Appraisal guidance
  • Setting standards for revalidation
  • Approving training placements and assuring quality of training
  • Developing career structures for the new public health workforce
  • Assessment of overseas doctors for sponsorship

Professional affairs

  • Providing professional advice to employers and others on senior public health appointment procedures
  • Advising the NHS on workforce planning for the specialty of public health
  • Developing the role of the Faculty Local Affairs Committee (FLACs)
  • Encouraging the development of public health networks
  • Submitting nominations for consultants' higher awards in the UK
  • Recognising excellence in public health by the award of distinction grades of membership
  • Introduction of Associate status to promote greater communication with a wider public health workforce
  • Continuing professional development

Advocacy and policy contribution

  • Forging effective partnerships with related organizations to develop policies which will improve the public's health
  • Influencing policy by responding to a wide range of consultations
  • Producing publications on a range of public health issues
  • Sharing good practice and knowledge by organising a range of events, including an annual scientific meeting
  • Offering a series of electronic network groups to facilitate communication and shared learning
  • Disseminating information through the Faculty's website and quarterly newsletter
  • Developing international public health links

 

As a professional body we create and promote international standards of practice and support their development in partnership with other countries.

Other important aspects of our work include forging alliances across all sectors of society with those with an interest in public health (particularly local government), identifying and reducing inequalities and promoting academic research.

The Faculty also seeks to promote public health by engaging with the public, particularly through the work of its members in primary care organisations.

To find out more about the Faculty's work programmes see our Annual Report and Business plan .