- Suffolk County Council
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Location: Various locations across Suffolk – Community based
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Salary: £34,434 per annum
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Hours: 37 hours per week
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Contract: 1-year Fixed term Postgraduate training programme from January to December 2027
Train to become a Health Visitor and help give every baby, child and family the best possible start in life
This is an exciting opportunity for registered Nurses and Midwives to undertake the Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (SCPHN) Health Visiting programme and begin a rewarding career in public health nursing.
You will join Suffolk’s 0–19 Healthy Child Service and develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to practise as a Health Visitor—supporting families, improving outcomes and reducing inequalities during the most critical years of a child’s life.
This is a demanding but highly rewarding programme, combining academic study with clinical practice in a supportive, high-quality service.
About the programme
You will complete a full-time postgraduate qualification (Level 7) in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University (Cambridge or Chelmsford).
The programme includes:
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a combination of university-based learning and clinical placements
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academic assignments and practice-based assessments
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teaching delivered through a mix of online and on-campus sessions.
Throughout your training, you will be supported by:
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a Practice Supervisor and Practice Assessor
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experienced Health Visitors and practice educators
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structured clinical and safeguarding supervision.
What you will learn to do
As part of your training, you will develop the skills to:
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build trusted relationships with families from pregnancy through early childhood
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lead delivery of the Healthy Child Programme (0–5)
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complete holistic assessments of child development, parental wellbeing and family context
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identify need, risk and safeguarding concerns early and respond appropriately
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provide evidence-based support tailored to differing levels of need
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work confidently with partners across health, education, social care and Family Hubs
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contribute to reducing inequalities and improving long-term outcomes for children and families.
The team
Suffolk’s Healthy Child Service (0–19) provides support from pregnancy through to young adulthood, focusing on prevention, early intervention and reducing inequalities.
Health Visitors are specialist public health nurses who lead the Healthy Child Programme for children aged 0–5, working in partnership with families and other professionals to ensure children have the best possible start in life.
We are building a service where compassionate, family-focused practitioners feel confident to act, think critically and make a difference. You will join a supportive learning environment where both students and experienced practitioners can thrive.
What we’re looking for
To apply, you must be one (or more) of the following:
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a Registered Nurse (Part 1, Level 1) – NMC registered
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a Registered Midwife – NMC registered
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a Student Nurse or Midwife nearing qualification (subject to meeting entry requirements).
You will also need:
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the academic ability to study at Level 7
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an interest in public health and the factors affecting children, families and communities
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experience of working with children and families
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strong communication and relationship-building skills
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a compassionate, proactive and solution-focused approach
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a clear commitment to improving outcomes for children and families.
Selection process: Shortlisted candidates will be asked to deliver a 10-minute presentation demonstrating their understanding of public health practice and academic readiness for Level 7 study.
What we will offer you
This is a unique opportunity to gain a postgraduate qualification and start a career in specialist public health nursing.
You will benefit from:
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structured support throughout your academic and clinical training
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dedicated Practice Supervisor and Assessor
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strong clinical, safeguarding and reflective supervision
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exposure to working across communities, Family Hubs and partner organisations
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a service focused on quality, prevention and reducing inequalities
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opportunities to develop confidence in assessment, safeguarding and partnership working.
Upon successful completion of the programme, you will be supported to apply for Grade 6 Health Visitor roles within Suffolk County Council.
Why join us
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make a lasting impact on babies, children and families across Suffolk
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join a service focused on prevention, early intervention and outcomes
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develop as a confident, autonomous public health practitioner
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work in a supportive, learning-focused environment
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be part of a service rated ‘Good’ by CQC.
Important information
You can view the full Job and Person Profile (JPP) in the ‘How to apply’ section.
Recruitment is undertaken in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University.
Empowering Everyone
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
For more information
Please contact Tara Saunders (she/her) for a casual conversation by calling 01449 745191 or 07415 799474 or by emailing [email protected].
If you want to apply for a secondment, read the secondment policy first. Please make sure you get permission from your current manager before submitting your application.
How to apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).
Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template (Word).
Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.
For guidance on completing your application, please see our How to Apply page.
Planning to use Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Please ensure your application still reflects your own skills, experience and ideas. If used inappropriately, your application may not be processed. Please read our guidance for using AI to understand what’s acceptable.
Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at [email protected] or 03456 014412. You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages.
Closing date: 9 August 2026
Interview dates: 7, 8, 10, 16 and 18 September 2026
Interview location: West Suffolk House, Bury St Edmunds
Promoted as JOTW (Job of the Week) on Suffolk Jobs Direct. #IND1
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you’ll enjoy:
- up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
- membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
- performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
- training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
- a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
- diverse and active staff networks
- flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).
