Barnsley Council celebrates a significant achievement as the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) accredits NHS England’s Foundation Programme in Public Health – Levels 1 and 2, developed in collaboration with the council. This accreditation recognises Barnsley’s commitment to improving public health education and tackling health inequalities.

The programme, delivered online in four classroom sessions, equips participants with essential knowledge and skills to address public health challenges effectively. The programme empowers professionals from various sectors to influence positive health outcomes in their communities by covering topics such as health inequalities, epidemiology, and population health initiatives.

Anna Hartley, Executive Director of Public Health and Communities at Barnsley Council, expressed pride in the council's involvement in the programme's pilot phase, saying, "We're proud to have been part of the pilot. This highlights Barnsley's dedication to advancing public health education. Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with learners noting the programme's impact on their professional approaches and personal development.”

“Furthermore, the programme is open to all council and wider workforce staff, meaning that both staff and residents benefit from it. It provides an opportunity to showcase the great work of Barnsley Public Health across Yorkshire, the Humber, and the North East regions.”

“RSPH's accreditation underscores the programme's effectiveness in addressing contemporary health challenges. Barnsley Council remains committed to expanding access to quality public health education and fostering collaboration to improve community well-being.”