The Isle of Wight Council has announced Kate Harvey as the new Director of Public Health, who will officially begin her role next Monday (1st September).
It’s said that the appointment marks a significant milestone in the Island’s journey towards a fully independent public health service.
Kate’s appointment follows a national recruitment process earlier this year and comes as the successful long-standing partnership with Hampshire County Council for public health leadership concludes. This transition reflects the council’s commitment to strengthening local leadership, improving health outcomes, and delivering a service tailored to the unique needs of Island communities.
Kate brings extensive experience in health protection, health improvement and system leadership, with a career spanning senior roles in the NHS, local government, the voluntary sector and public health research. Her work has consistently focused on reducing health inequalities and improving the building blocks for good health.
Kate says:
“I’m delighted to be starting my role as Director of Public Health for the Isle of Wight. It’s a privilege to return to the Island and lead a locally focused, place-based approach to health and wellbeing. I look forward to working with residents, communities, partners, and colleagues across the council to build a fairer and healthier future for everyone—embracing a one-organisation approach that strengthens collaboration and delivers joined-up support for our communities.”
As Director, Kate will oversee a team of specialists within the council’s Public Health structure, ensuring strong leadership and continued improvements in service delivery.
Wendy Perera, Chief Executive of the Isle of Wight Council, has said:
“We’re thrilled to welcome Kate to the senior leadership team. Her expertise and passion for public health will be instrumental in shaping a service that puts our residents and communities at its heart. We also extend our sincere thanks to Simon Bryant for his dedicated leadership and support over many years including during the pandemic.”
Councillor Clare Mosdell, Committee Chair for Adult Social Care and Public Health, adds:
“Kate’s arrival marks a new chapter for public health on the Island. Her leadership and experience will help us tackle the challenges ahead and ensure we deliver responsive, effective services that meet the needs of our communities.”
Kate, originally from the Isle of Wight, shared her vision for the role:
“The Island has many strengths — strong communities, a vibrant voluntary sector, and a clear sense of place, yet not everyone has the same opportunity for good health. I’m excited to work closely with residents and partners to improve the building blocks for good health and reduce inequalities, so the Island can be a fairer and healthier place for all.”
So much for a local strengthening local leadership why not a islander and I wonder how large is the salary
Sorry to say it, but an islander is shallow minded,
such a position requires a person with broader
experience.
Not an islander who doesn’t have a clue and is full of
tatts and vapes and smokes.
This is an Health environment, not a cafe or bar.
Lol
It would be nice if the new director made sure that
the Daisy Bus keeps running and that patients who
have to travel to the mainland for treatment etc
do not have to pay any fares.
If the Hospital on the island provided all necessary
services, then patients would not need to travel to
the mainland.
Good luck in your new job.
Another overpaid puppet to join the muppets show .
They all come over with the best intentions and nothing changes except their purse strings .
All blab, looks good on paper but outcomes , so far with the rest , zilch, null, will
What makes the others and her think she can do any better than her forbearers before her
It’s probably because the local numpties
stick together to try and stop anything good
happening.
We need to break up the internal groups.