Healthy Food Officer
Southwark Council
Why Southwark?
We are the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes lived in by 40% of Southwark’s residents. We are home to over 18,300 businesses including iconic London venues and social enterprises and we have a young, diverse, and growing population.
At Southwark we are committed to making our borough just and fair and are taking positive action to tackle inequalities. Our residents and communities are our greatest asset and the passion we have for Southwark is shared by millions of Londoners who enjoy our outstanding cultural offer, use our hospitals and attend our universities. Our refreshed borough plan and focus on Southwark Stands Together (which is our work with Southwark’s communities and the council’s staff to tackle racism, injustice and inequality) underpins all that we do.
The Southwark Public Health Team are well regarded for our role in mentoring and supporting staff to advance their Public Health careers, such as towards Public Health Training Scheme or promotion within the sector.
What You'll Be Doing
The Healthy Food Officer will be responsible for leading Southwark’s Food and Fun Programme, which operates each Easter, summer and winter during the school holidays.
The Food and Fun Programme is funded by the Department for Education (DfE) through the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) grant. This funding has been recently confirmed for 2026-2028.
The post holder will have responsibility for: DfE grant management and impact reporting (£1.5m per annum for each of the three years), holiday club provider commissioning and delivery oversight (30+ providers), holiday club risk management arrangements, quality assurance, electronic booking system development and mandatory training oversight for holiday club providers.
The post holder will ensure the programme is equitable, data-led and evidence-based. The post holder will use public health expertise to ensure the programme is tailored according to need and improves health-related outcomes for disadvantaged children and young people in Southwark.
The post holder will line manage the Public Health Project Officer, Healthy Food, delegating tasks such as quality assurance, administrative duties, payment processing, club enhancement arrangements, and records management. They will be responsible for ensuring these tasks are completed efficiently and delivered on time.
What We're Looking For
A motivated, enthusiastic team member who wants to work to improve the health of children and adults in Southwark. You will have great organisation skills, data analysis, project and budget management and commissioning experience.
For an informal conversation about this role, please contact Rachel Isted, Programme Manager (rachel.isted@southwark.gov.uk).
Additional Information
Recruitment Timetable:
Closing Date: 22/06/2026
Interviews: 02/07/2026
Guaranteed Interview Scheme
As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
- Are currently in care or have previously been in care.
- If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition.
Benefits
Working for Southwark Council – Southwark
There are shift enhancements for out of hours and weekend working associated with this post.
Benefits include: 27 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays, competitive pension scheme and excellent support for learning and development.
Since 2018, the Department for Education (DfE) has funded the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) scheme, providing healthy meals and fun activities for disadvantaged children during school holidays. Funding is now confirmed for 2026–2028.
HAF runs three holiday periods per year, with an annual commissioning cycle for providers and enhancements. Reporting includes quarterly updates to DfE and monthly updates to Public Health and the Finance Business Partner.
Please note, this is a fixed term position until 31 March 2029.
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