As President of the Faculty of Public Health (FPH), I am privileged to lead an organisation deeply rooted in promoting health equity and enhancing professional standards in public health. Over the past year, there have been many questions asked about the governance, responsibilities and functions of UK Medical Royal Colleges, and this offers the opportunity to discuss who we are as a Faculty, how we are governed, what we do, and how we engage with our members to achieve our vision of 'Better health for all – leaving no one behind'.
Established in 1972 on the recommendation of the Royal Commission on Medical Education, FPH has evolved into the professional membership organisation for over 5,000 dedicated public health professionals globally. Our members include public health consultants, academics, practitioners, and researchers who are united in their commitment to improving health outcomes for all.
As a registered charity, our core charitable objects drive everything we do. They include: (1) To advance knowledge in public health; (2) To develop and maintain high standards of professional competence and practice; and (3) To serve as an authoritative body for consultation and advocacy on public health matters.
Building on these foundations, at the heart of our organisation lies our vision: 'Better health for all – leaving no one behind'. This vision inspires us to continually strive for equity and excellence in public health knowledge, practice, and advocacy. It is not just a statement but a guiding principle that influences every decision and action we take.
How are we governed?
FPH operates through a collaborative partnership between our small, but dedicated staff team and our expert membership, who volunteer their time and expertise in various capacities such as committee members, examiners, and Special Interest Group (SIG) leaders.
Our democratically elected Trustee Board - comprising 17 members including the President, Vice-President, and local and general board members – oversees strategic decisions within the organisation. Importantly, all trustees and committee members serve on a voluntary basis, reflecting their commitment to public health beyond their professional roles.
The governance structure of FPH ensures that our activities are guided by those who are directly involved in public health practice. Faculty Officers, including the Treasurer, Registrar, and Academic Registrar, are appointed by the Board following applications from Faculty members, ensuring that our leadership is both experienced and dedicated. Additionally, we include non-elected members and representatives from the three Royal Colleges of Physicians, as well as lay observers who provide diverse perspectives to our work.
What do we do?
Our current strategy for 2020-25, supported by our Board-Led Focus Areas 2022-25, guide our efforts across three core mission areas:
- Assuring an Effective Public Health Workforce: We uphold and enhance standards in public health specialty training, ensuring specialists are equipped to meet evolving healthcare needs. This includes overseeing recruitment, curriculum development, examinations, and certification processes. Additionally, we collaborate with employers to set and maintain standards that support professional public health practice nationwide. Our Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programme is regularly reviewed to incorporate the latest advancements and best practices in public health.
- Promoting Public Health Knowledge: FPH serves as a hub for the latest public health research, reports, and events through our extensive network of Special Interest Groups. We prepare future public health leaders to tackle emerging challenges such as genomics, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and geopolitical shifts. Our role as a cross-system convener fosters collaboration and knowledge-sharing among public health professionals. We also publish reports and conduct events that disseminate critical information, helping to shape policy and practice across the sector.
- Advocating for Health Equity: We are staunch advocates for reducing health inequalities and creating optimal conditions for health and wellbeing. Collaborating with partners across sectors, we advocate on critical issues including anti-racism, smoking cessation, climate change, and inequality reduction. Through consultations, statements, and media engagement, we influence policy decisions and hold decision-makers accountable for public health outcomes. Our advocacy work is backed by robust evidence and the collective expertise of our members, making our voice a powerful tool for change.
Engaging with Our Members
Active engagement with our members is fundamental to our success. We encourage members to contribute to the work of the Faculty through our Committees, Special Interest Groups, by supporting our Education and Training function through a variety of roles, or through direct communication with us or our Local Board Members on specific areas of interest. Regular membership surveys ensure we capture and respond to member priorities effectively. By fostering a culture of inclusivity and responsiveness, we ensure our work reflects the diverse needs and perspectives of our membership.
Conclusions
The Faculty of Public Health is committed to leading the charge towards a healthier, more equitable society. Our dedication to advancing public health knowledge, advocating for health equity, and supporting a skilled public health workforce remains unwavering. Together with our members and partners, we will continue to drive meaningful change and shape the future of public health in the UK and beyond.
As we move forward, we invite all public health professionals to join us in our mission. Whether through active participation in our initiatives, contribution to our knowledge base, or engagement in our advocacy efforts, every member has a crucial role to play. Let us work together to achieve 'Better health for all – leaving no one behind'.
Thank you for joining us on this journey. Together, we can create a brighter, healthier future for everyone.
