The core purpose of the Director of Public health (DPH) is to be an independent advocate for the health of the population and system leadership for its improvement and protection.

The DPH is a statutory member of the local Health and Wellbeing Board and acts as the principal adviser on health matters to elected members and officers. They are also a "responsible authority" under the Licensing Act 2003 and are accountable for the public health grant. For more information on functions: The Role of a DPH | ADPH

The DPH oversees the development of the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA), provides public health advice to the Health and Wellbeing Board to ensure the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) aligns with local needs and develops an annual Public Health Report which is an independent report on the health of the local population.