Saima Nafis

I am a public health specialist and academic with extensive experience across local government, the NHS, higher education, and the voluntary sector. I am currently the Strategic Lead for the Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) at Manchester City Council, where I focus on embedding a research-led culture to address health inequalities and improve population health. My work centres on translating evidence into practice through collaboration, co-production, and real-world research.

I also have a strong background in teaching, workforce development, and quality improvement, and I am progressing towards UKPHR Specialist Registration via the portfolio route. Passionate about equity and systems change, I am committed to improving health outcomes for communities.

I am a strategic public health specialist with senior experience across local government, the NHS (local and national), higher education, and the voluntary and community sector. I currently work as Strategic Lead for the Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) at Manchester City Council, leading research, performance, and partnership activity to address health inequalities and improve population health.

My professional background includes consultant-level public health work in population health management, health inequalities, cancer screening, community engagement, and prevention, alongside strong expertise in research, data, and evaluation. I have led multi-agency programmes, influenced senior leaders and elected members, and worked confidently within political systems.

Alongside practice, I have significant academic experience as a lecturer in public health, health and social care, and psychology, contributing to curriculum development, quality assurance, Ofsted processes, and workforce development, including public health degree apprenticeships mapped to the ASPHER framework.

I hold an MBBS, an MSc in Public Health and Health Promotion, and a PhD in Digital Public Health, providing a strong clinical, academic, and research foundation for senior public health practice. My doctoral research focused on healthy ageing, using mixed-methods research and digital health approaches to promote wellbeing and reduce inequalities among older adults.

I am a Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health (FRSPH) and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), and a Practitioner Member of the Faculty of Public Health (FPH), maintaining an active CPD portfolio. I am also progressing towards UKPHR Specialist Registration via the portfolio route, with my pre-application approved, demonstrating readiness for consultant-level public health practice.