New public health chief for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire announced

Jyoti Atri, who is currently interim executive director of Public Health Wales, will replace Dr Liz Robin who is retiring at the end of the month.

Jyoti has more than 25 years of public health experience having previously been director of public health for Sandwell Council and has held a number of senior roles in the NHS in the West Midlands.

Prior to that she held a number of public health research and analytical roles across London.

Speaking on her appointment, Jyoti said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as the new director of public health for Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council.

“I am impressed by the commitment of both councils to reducing inequalities in health and improving the health and wellbeing of their residents. It is clear that I will also have the support of partner agencies in creating a fair and healthy recovery for the people of Peterborough and Cambridgeshire after the shock of Covid-19.

“I can’t wait to start my new role and look to make a positive impact on the lives of people living in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.”

The role was advertised in national publications, followed by interviews with the chief executive of both councils, Gillian Beasley.

This was followed by an interview focusing on the technical requirements of the role with Chris Bull (adviser to Public Health England), Professor Aliko Ahmed (regional director of Public Health England) and Henrietta Ewart (director of public health in the Isle of Man).

The second stage included candidates meeting with representatives of both councils’ Health Committees, the joint management team and external stakeholders.

The final stage was formal interviews before members of both the Staffing and Appeals Committee of Cambridgeshire County Council and the Employment Committee of Peterborough City Council.

Mrs Beasley said: “I am delighted that Jyoti will be joining us as the new director of public health for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

“Jyoti was the standout candidate in an extremely strong field of applicants and brings with her a wealth of knowledge, insight and innovation.

“Her breadth and depth of experience and proven strategic ability will be a tremendous asset for both councils and for the residents they serve.

“She joins at a vitally important time as we continue to adapt how we live and work with Covid-19 as a factor in our lives for the foreseeable future and, just as importantly, at a time when we look to the future to ensure the ongoing health and wellbeing of residents throughout Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.”

Dr Robin (60), who became the first joint director of public health for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough in 2015, had been due to retire in January. However, she delayed her retirement plans to continue to lead public health through the challenging winter period.

Jyoti will begin her on July 1.

In the interim, Dr Hugo van Woerden will be joint director of public health for both authorities.