Experienced public health professionals across England are being encouraged to apply for a new national support scheme designed to help high-potential candidates achieve UK Public Health Register (UKPHR) Specialist Registration by Portfolio Assessment (SRbPA).
Funded by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), the English National SRbPA Support Scheme will support a small cohort of individuals who are already working at specialist level and are preparing to complete and submit their UKPHR pre-application and portfolio.
The scheme is specifically aimed at candidates who can demonstrate specialist-level practice across the breadth of public health and have only minor gaps in the UKPHR Know How and Show How competencies. It is not a developmental programme and is intended for professionals who are already working at a level equivalent to a newly qualified Consultant in Public Health.
Who is eligible?
Applicants should:
- Be working at a level equivalent to a public health professional who has completed Public Health Specialty Training.
- Hold a Master’s level qualification in public health or a related discipline.
- Be participating in a recognised continuing professional development (CPD) scheme and able to provide evidence of appraisal, personal development planning and 360-degree feedback.
- Demonstrate specialist-level public health expertise across the breadth of the UKPHR SRbPA competency framework.
- Be operating as a strategic leader, working collaboratively at senior organisational levels to improve population health.
- Be able to provide evidence to support a future SRbPA portfolio submission.
What support is available?
Candidates selected for the programme will receive tailored support for up to two years, helping them progress towards successful UKPHR specialist registration.
Support includes:
- Initial screening and a one-to-one career development conversation.
- Assessment of SRbPA readiness and eligibility.
- Individual support from experienced facilitators.
- Guidance on addressing minor competency gaps.
- Review of Know How and Show How matrices.
- Narrative planning and feedback on draft submissions.
- Workshops with UKPHR Moderators to clarify requirements.
- Regular facilitated peer workshops based on cohort needs.
- Dedicated support for line managers.
The programme has been designed to increase access to specialist registration support, improve the quality of applications and help strengthen the public health workforce by supporting more professionals into specialist registration.
Commitment required
Successful applicants will be expected to actively engage with the programme, develop their portfolio, continue their professional development activities and work towards submitting their pre-application and portfolio within two years of joining the scheme.
Support from employers is also essential. Applicants will need endorsement from their line manager, Director of Public Health and organisation, confirming both their eligibility and their ability to address any remaining competency gaps.
Find out more
Those unsure whether they meet the eligibility criteria can attend an information webinar on Wednesday 23 September to learn more about the programme and the type of candidates it is designed to support. Email Information@populationhealth.co.uk to register.
Applications for the English National SRbPA Support Scheme close at 9am on Thursday 8 October.
Interested candidates can apply via the national application form and are strongly encouraged to review the UKPHR SRbPA guidance before submitting an application.
