New Director Of Public Health Appointed For The Isle Of Wight

The Isle of Wight Council has announced the appointment of a new Director of Public Health who will lead the Island’s Public Health service as it transitions to a fully independent model.

Following a national recruitment process, Kate Harvey has been appointed to this crucial statutory role and will join the council’s senior leadership team in the coming months.

The appointment follows a decision by the council’s Cabinet earlier this year not to renew the long-standing partnership with Hampshire County Council for public health services beyond August 2025.

This change reflects the council’s commitment to strengthening local leadership, improving health outcomes, and delivering a public health service tailored specifically to the needs of Island communities.

Kate brings to the role a wealth of experience across health protection, health improvement and system leadership, including partnership working across the NHS, local authorities, and the voluntary and community sector.

Her career has been defined by a strong focus on reducing health inequalities and improving the building blocks for good health.

Kate said:

“I am delighted to be joining the Isle of Wight Council at such an important time for the Public Health service.

"The opportunity to lead a locally focused, place-based approach to health and wellbeing is one I truly value.

"I look forward to working with colleagues across the council and with our many partners to ensure we deliver the best possible public health outcomes for Island residents.”

The new director will oversee a growing team of specialists as part of the council’s enhanced Public Health structure — a move designed to ensure robust leadership and continued improvements in service delivery.

Wendy Perera, the council's chief executive, said:

“We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Simon Bryant, Director of Public Health for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, for his dedicated leadership over many years.

"Simon has played an instrumental role in shaping and guiding the Island’s public health function, providing stability, expertise and strong partnership working throughout his tenure.

"We look forward to welcoming Kate to the senior management team at the council.

"Her substantial knowledge and skills will lead the way in shaping a service tailored precisely to the needs of those it supports.

"Putting our residents and our community at the heart of what we do is essential to providing an excellent service for them.

"In Kate, we have an inspirational director who is committed to driving forward our vision, with a passion to support our communities into the future."

Councillor Debbie Andre, Cabinet member for adult social care and public health, said:

“There are some challenging issues to deal with in the coming months, but the appointment of Kate means we will be in an excellent place to address these issues.

"Kate brings the right mix of leadership, experience, and passion to help us deliver excellent public health outcomes and ensure that we are responsive to the Island’s specific needs.”

Here Kate discusses her vision and plans for the future:

Can you introduce yourself and share a bit about your background in public health?

I am originally from the Isle of Wight and am thrilled to be returning to work in a place so dear to my heart. 

After starting my career in the voluntary sector, I’ve worked in senior public health roles in Local Government and the NHS for over 10 years, in London, Dorset and most recently Southampton.

I also worked closely with the University of Southampton to support the creation and use of high-quality evidence to inform decisions that can improve health and reduce inequalities. 

This breadth of experience will be invaluable on the Island. Working together for the residents that we serve offers the best potential for the Island to become a fairer and healthier place for all.

What is your vision for public health on the Isle of Wight?

I’m thrilled to be joining the Isle of Wight as the new Director of Public Health.

I’m very much looking forward to working with residents, communities and colleagues within and outside of the council to improve health and wellbeing.

The strength of our local Public Health team and legacy of the partnership with Hampshire, mean that it is an ideal time to be launching the Island’s own public health service.

I’m particularly excited about the opportunities to work with residents and the communities that are the heart of the Island to improve the building blocks for good health and reduce inequalities.

What unique challenges do you think the Isle of Wight faces in terms of public health? How do you plan to address these challenges?

The beautiful Island has many strong communities, a vibrant voluntary sector and clear sense of place.

Despite so many strengths, not everyone has the same opportunity for good health and wellbeing.

Providing the Island’s own public health leadership is an exciting opportunity to work more closely with residents, communities and local partners to improve the building blocks for good health and reduce inequalities so that the Island can be a fairer and healthier place for all.

Subject to the appointment process, Kate is expected to take up the post at the end of August, allowing for a smooth transition ahead of the end of the Hampshire partnership.