What does the programme expect from its Fellows?
• Full engagement with this programme, seeing through commitment to the end
• Co-production with organisations
• Exploration of the needs of the organisations identify where improvements could be made or evaluation could be conducted
• Co-design of the project question, its aims and objectives, methods, and outputs as a group with organisations
• Development of a clear project plan with clear roles and responsibilities within groups
• Established, clear communication channels and regular check-ins with their stakeholders
• Data collection and/or analysis using appropriate and agreed methods
• A record of key decisions and activities
• Respect for lived experience, expertise and VCSO priorities and constraints
• Maintenance of ethical and professional standards
• Production of 3 outputs: report, poster and presentation
• Feedback on their time in the programme
How much time do I dedicate to the fellowship?
Fellows are required to allocate 8 study leave days out of their total existing F2 study leave allowance of 30 days, with 4 of these 8 days used for in-person events that have been scheduled as part of the fellowship. Programme days are hosted in Southampton. Please see the 2026-2027 Programme timeline for the dates that you are required to attend in person.
For the remaining 4 out of 8 days that Fellows have allocated from their own study leave allowance, Fellows will decide as a group how to allocate these to complete the project.
Study leave should be arranged through the Fellow’s employing trust as per their usual study leave procedure. For any queries about study leave, please refer to the South East Study Leave information page or contact the relevant colleague responsible for managing study leave within your trust.
Who are the organisations?
The fellowship co-leads have worked to build relationships with host organisations.
The programme aims to work with different organisations each year to ensure fair access, and their participation is dependent on many factors within and outside of organisations – including the number of Fellows selected.
Therefore, we cannot confirm which organisations are participating until Fellows have been offered places on this programme.
To view a selection of testimonials from organisations who have participated in the past, please view the Community Organisation Testimonials.
Can I use my clinical skills for the benefit of organisations?
No, Fellows should not undertake any clinical duties, including providing clinical advice, as part of their project work.
How are Fellows Supported?
• Fellows should have two named organisational contacts, with expectation that one will be the Lead Contact who provides regular guidance necessary to undertake their projects.
• Each fellowship group and their project will be supported by Mentor Registrars, Public Health Consultants-in-training, who act as guides and sounding boards for the Fellows. They help ensure the work remains on track, is methodologically sound, and aligns with public health principles.
• Administrative oversight for the fellowship is provided by the Lead Registrar(s) and the Public Health Training Programme Manager within the Wessex School of Public Health. They handle the logistics of the programme, communication with host organisations, scheduling key dates, and ensuring that both Fellows and hosts have the information and resources they need.
• There is a long-standing institutional agreement between the Wessex School of Public Health and the Wessex Foundation School that underpins the delivery of the fellowship, such that any issues Fellows may encounter participating in the fellowship can be addressed swiftly.
• Final accountability for the fellowship sits with the Leadership Team of the Wessex School of Public Health.
What if we encounter unexpected issues, challenges or changes in circumstances during the fellowship e.g. trouble contacting the community organisation?
Fellows are expected to work as a team to plan and deliver the project that they have chosen within the set timescale, which includes problem-solving where necessary. If any unmanageable difficulties arise, Fellows should contact their group Mentor in the first instance.
As the Wessex Foundation Programme and the Wessex School of Public health share joint accountability for the PHCF, any concerns will be escalated, discussed, and managed collaboratively between these two organisations.
What should I do if I need to withdraw from the fellowship due to unforeseen circumstances?
Fellows considering withdrawal should first discuss their decision with their Mentor.
If they choose to proceed, they should send one email, copying in their Mentor, to the Public Health Programme Manager (Alison Barnes – alison.barnes32@nhs.net) to confirm their withdrawal.
Mentors are to notify the fellowship co-leads directly as a safeguard.
Can I claim travel expenses?
Yes, reimbursement for any expenses incurred should be arranged through your trust. Please refer to your trust’s guidelines. Original receipts must be kept and requests made within 3 months.
What happens at the end of the Fellowship?
At the end of the fellowship, each project group will formally conclude their work and share their findings with host organisations and the wider programme.
Outputs will include a written report, a poster and a presentation. All groups will deliver their presentations at the final Presentation Day.
At the conclusion of the programme, we will invite Fellows to provide feedback and testimonials reflecting on their experience as hosts.
These testimonials help:
• celebrate the contribution and impact of Fellows,
• highlight the benefits of participation,
• to improve the programme for future years.
Will I be provided with evidence of completion of the fellowship?
The issuance of a certificate for completion of the fellowship is contingent upon full engagement with all stages of the programme. Fellows will receive a Certificate of Completion after the Presentation Day.
Failure to engage with all elements of the process, including adherence to programme values, professionalism and co-production will result in an individual review of participation. Where expectations have not been met, a completion certificate may not be issued.