Building Public Health Resilience: Leadership, Change, and Community in Devon with Steve Brown

Welcome to a new episode of Public Health Spotlight.

Join host River Simmons as he sits down with Steve Brown, Director of Public Health in Devon, for a compelling look at nearly three decades of public health experience shaped by risk-taking, resilience, and relationship-building in one of England’s most unique regions.

Steve shares his career-defining move from the private sector into the NHS, reflecting on how seizing opportunity and embracing change shaped his path. He opens up about leading through six reorganisations, the art and science of public health storytelling, and why strong partnerships across sectors are vital for tackling complex health challenges.

Delving into the realities of rural and coastal Devon, Steven discusses the shifting demographics, delivering services across wide geographies, and the pressing issues of ageing populations, health inequalities, and drug- and alcohol-related deaths. He explains how physical office space and creating a psychologically safe environment empower his team, why devolved decision-making matters in leadership, and how reframing health as "building blocks" helps communities and leaders better understand the factors that shape health.

Steve also gives an inside look at Devon’s new strategic plan, the ongoing response to local government reorganisation, and his passion for integrated solutions whether working with housing partners on homelessness or advocating for stronger community engagement.

Whether you’re curious about thriving in public health leadership, managing change, building effective teams, or implementing real-world innovation in challenging settings, this episode offers practical wisdom and inspiration for anyone invested in public health.

**Highlights:**

* A candid career journey: from sports science to long-standing public health leadership
* Navigating continuity and change through six NHS reorganisations
* Building trust, stability, and opportunity in Devon’s unique landscape
* The art of storytelling in shaping healthy communities and influencing leaders
* Addressing health inequalities: the realities of coastal and rural health
* Devon’s new strategic plan and public health’s central role
* Innovative approaches to drug and alcohol services and tackling homelessness
* Leadership insights: psychological safety, devolved decision-making, and inclusive environments
* Encouragement and practical advice for aspiring public health leaders

Don’t miss this rich and accessible conversation between River Simmons and Steve Brown about adapting, leading, and making health happen in the real world. Subscribe for more insight and inspiration from Public Health Spotlight.

 Thank you for tuning in to Public Health Spotlight: A Panoramic Associates Podcast. For more expert discussions on public health, be sure to subscribe. Visit our website at panoramicassociates.co.uk to learn more about our work in the public health sector. This podcast is produced in collaboration with the Association of Directors of Public Health.