Professor Lisa McNally

Director of Public Health | Honorary Professor | Chartered Psychologist
United Kingdom, GB.

About

Highly accomplished and nationally recognized Public Health leader with over 25 years of progressive experience, currently serving as a Statutory Officer overseeing multi-million-pound budgets and large teams. Expert in driving population health management, tackling health inequalities, and leading strategic initiatives across local government and NHS systems. Proven track record of securing national awards for pioneering community development and data-driven health interventions, consistently delivering high-impact outcomes and shaping public health policy.

Work

Worcestershire County Council
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Director of Public Health

Worcestershire, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Summary

Statutory Officer reporting directly to the Chief Executive and Cabinet, responsible for leading Public Health across Worcestershire, managing a £39.8 million annual budget and a team of 75 staff.

Highlights

Successfully implemented a pioneering community development programme, earning the national LGC Public Health Award 2025.

Led a pioneering data-led approach to health inequality, embedding it as a core element of Neighbourhood Health development across the health and social care system.

Guided multiple teams, including substance misuse treatment services, to achieve national best practice examples.

Directing local NHS Integrated Care Board work on Population Health Management, applying population segmentation and risk stratification to enhance health outcomes.

University of Birmingham
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Honorary Professor in Applied Health Sciences

Birmingham, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Summary

Holds a concurrent academic position, developing local authority research collaborations, teaching programs, and student supervision initiatives.

Highlights

Established a Health Determinants Research Collaboration in Sandwell and a Local Authority Research Programme in Worcestershire, both funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).

Developed and delivered comprehensive teaching curricula in applied health sciences.

Supervised numerous students, contributing to the next generation of public health professionals.

Fostered significant research partnerships between academic institutions and local authorities, bridging theory with practical application.

Sandwell Metropolitan Council
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Director of Public Health

Sandwell, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Summary

Served as Statutory Officer, reporting directly to the Chief Executive and Cabinet, responsible for Public Health services with a £25.7 million annual budget and 72 staff.

Highlights

Acted as Lead Strategic Director for Sandwell's COVID-19 Pandemic Response, coordinating efforts across local authority, NHS, Police, and Community sectors.

Received commendation during the UK COVID-19 Inquiry for effective work during the pandemic.

Secured the national LGC Public Health Award 2021 for outstanding work on vaccination uptake initiatives.

Oversaw comprehensive public health services including Research and Data Analytics, Health Protection, and Health Improvement.

Bracknell Forest Council
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Consultant in Public Health

Bracknell, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Summary

Responsible for Public Health domains including Research, Data Analytics, and Health Protection, overseeing a £4.1 million budget and a team of 22 staff.

Highlights

Established and led a new Business Intelligence Unit for the Council, enhancing data-driven decision-making and operational efficiency.

Served as Senior Responsible Officer for Prevention across the Frimley NHS System, pioneering the use of integrated data across NHS and social care.

Managed key public health areas including Children's Public Health, Substance Misuse, Sexual Health, and Community Development.

Drove strategic initiatives to improve public health outcomes across the region, leveraging data and cross-sector collaboration.

NHS Surrey
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Public Health Principal

Surrey, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Summary

Led health improvement programs, including smoking cessation, weight management, and physical activity, overseeing a £1.09 million budget and a team of 12 staff.

Highlights

Directed a smoking cessation research program that resulted in several peer-reviewed publications, contributing to evidence-based practice.

Developed and implemented comprehensive health improvement strategies, driving positive public health outcomes.

Managed and optimized resource allocation for various health promotion initiatives.

Collaborated with diverse stakeholders to achieve public health objectives across the region.

NHS Wandsworth
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Tobacco Control Manager

Wandsworth, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Summary

Managed and implemented tobacco control initiatives for NHS Wandsworth.

Highlights

Oversaw the planning and execution of local tobacco control strategies.

Coordinated public health campaigns aimed at reducing smoking prevalence.

Collaborated with community organizations to enhance tobacco cessation support services.

Monitored and reported on the effectiveness of tobacco control interventions.

St Georges Medical School
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Lecturer in Tobacco Addiction

London, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Summary

Delivered expert lectures and educational content on tobacco addiction to medical students.

Highlights

Developed and presented comprehensive course materials on the epidemiology and treatment of tobacco addiction.

Contributed to curriculum development within the public health and addiction studies departments.

Mentored and guided students, fostering their understanding of complex public health challenges related to addiction.

Integrated current research findings into teaching methodologies, ensuring up-to-date and relevant education.

Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College London
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Research Fellow

London, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Summary

Conducted specialized research projects at a leading psychiatric institute.

Highlights

Executed research projects focused on psychological and health outcomes, contributing to scientific understanding.

Collaborated with senior researchers on data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

Contributed to the preparation of research findings for academic publications.

Developed advanced skills in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.

University College London
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Research Fellow

London, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Summary

Performed comprehensive research activities at a top-tier university, contributing to various scientific initiatives.

Highlights

Engaged in long-term research initiatives, contributing significantly to scientific advancements and knowledge.

Collaborated effectively with multidisciplinary teams on diverse research projects.

Developed foundational and advanced skills in academic research, experimental design, and data analysis.

Assisted in the preparation of research grants and scientific reports.

Education

Faculty of Public Health
London, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Fellowship

Public Health

UK Public Health Register
London, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Public Health Specialist Registration

Public Health

British Psychological Society
London, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Chartered Psychologist

Psychology

University College London
London, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

PhD

Health Psychology

University College London
London, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

MSc

Health Psychology

Thames Valley University
London, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

BSc Hons (1st Class)

Psychology

Grade: 1st Class

Awards

National LGC Public Health Award

Awarded By

LGC

Awarded for successful implementation of a pioneering community development programme.

Chief Medical Officer's National Impact Award Nominee

Awarded By

Chief Medical Officer

Nominated for significant national impact in public health.

National LGC Public Health Award

Awarded By

LGC

Awarded for outstanding work on vaccination uptake during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Guardian Public Services Award

Awarded By

The Guardian

Recognized for excellence in public service.

Royal Society of Public Health Award

Awarded By

Royal Society of Public Health

Received for contributions to public health.

Publications

Several published articles in academic journals and one book chapter

Published by

Various Academic Publishers

Summary

Authored multiple academic publications focusing on public health policy, physical activity, and smoking cessation, contributing to evidence base.

Skills

Public Health Leadership

Population Health Management, Health Inequality, Health Protection, Health Improvement, Children's Public Health Services, Substance Misuse, Sexual Health, Community Development, Domestic Abuse, Community Safety, Trading Standards, Emergency Planning, Tobacco Control, Smoking Cessation, Weight Management, Physical Activity, Vaccination Uptake.

Strategic Management

Statutory Officer, Strategic Direction, Budget Management, Team Leadership, Cross-functional Collaboration, Stakeholder Engagement, Programme Leadership, Policy Development, Resource Allocation, Organizational Development.

Research & Data Analytics

Data Analytics, Research & Development, Business Intelligence, Population Segmentation, Risk Stratification, Integrated Data Systems, Health Determinants Research, Academic Research, Peer-Reviewed Publications, Epidemiology, Evidence-Based Practice, Research Collaboration.

Crisis & Pandemic Response

COVID-19 Pandemic Response, Emergency Planning, Inter-agency Coordination, Public Health Crisis Management.

Communication & Advocacy

Public Speaking, Media Relations, Technical Writing, Policy Writing, Academic Writing, Consulting, Mentoring, Teaching, Public Engagement.

Psychology & Behavioural Science

Health Psychology, Chartered Psychologist, Behavioural Change, Community Psychology, Addiction Studies.

Professor Lisa McNally