Vicky Hobart

Biography

Vicky joined the GLA in February 2018, initially leading on development of the London Health Inequalities Strategy. In 2022 she was appointed as the GLA Group’s first Director of Public Health, leading a new GLA Group-wide Public Health Unit which deploys public health expertise within and across the Group. As deputy statutory health adviser, she is professionally accountable to the London Regional Director of Public Health and statutory health adviser Professor Kevin Fenton.

This follows three years as Director of Public Health, Adult Care and Wellbeing for Redbridge, leading an integrated team focused on strategy, policy and commissioning.

Vicky led the transition of Public Health from the NHS as DPH for Redbridge and Waltham Forest in 2013, following four years as Consultant in Public Health in Hackney and the City of London, and four years in Haringey. Her earlier career includes eight years working in a health system overseas, and various teaching and research roles.

Vicky chaired the London Association of Directors of Public Health from 2015-2018, and the governing body of a primary school in north London. She is a Fellow of the Faculty of Public Health and supports public health training as both an educational supervisor and examiner.

Responsibilities

The post holder is the nominated deputy health adviser in accordance with the GLA Act 2007.

The Unit supports the Mayor’s vision for health and provides public health advice to the Mayor, Assembly, TfL, MOPAC and VRU, LFC and OPDC.

It works to embed health in all policies with a focus on ensuring prevention and resilience, health and wellbeing, and health inequalities are part of every GLA Group organisation and directorate’s strategy and planning.

This is achieved through a detailed understanding of health and public health, capacity building, effective relationships and networks, and the ability to influence.