It’s been an illustrious few weeks for Sefton Council’s Public Health team.

National Impact Award

Margaret Jones, Sefton’s Director of Public Health, was recently given the National Impact Award at the recent Annual Directors of Public Health Conference. 

This award recognises the impact a Director of Public Health has had since starting in the role. It is supported by the Chief Medical Officers of all four nations, who select the winner. 

Impacts highlighted since Margaret became Director of Public Health include the development of the Sefton Child Poverty Strategy which has gained national recognition.

Recognised as good practice example

Sefton's Child Poverty Strategy has been recognised by the UCL Institute of Health Equity as a good practice example for its focus on "pockets, prospects, and places".

Margaret’s role in leading on alcohol harm reduction across Cheshire and Merseyside and developing Sefton as a sought-after specialist public health training authority was also commended.

Outstanding Commissioner

Hot on Margaret’s heels, Sefton’s Head of Inequalities and Strategic Partnerships • Public Health & Wellbeing Anna Nygaard accepted the Outstanding Commissioner award on behalf of the public health team at the Voluntary Sector Northwest (VSNW) Funding and Commissioning Awards 2025. 

These awards shine a light on the commissioners and funders who go the extra mile to support the North West’s voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector.

This special award was for the team, but the judges also highlighted how they were impressed by Anna’s long-term commitment to partnership working, integrated care, and the belief in the expertise of local voluntary organisations.

Outstanding Achievement

And, just a couple of weeks earlier the team’s Dr Rory McGill received an Outstanding Achievement Award for his role in supporting the Borough’s LGBTQ+ community through suicide prevention and tackling health inequality. 

Dr McGill was hailed by judges at the annual LGBTQ+ FLOWERS awards in Liverpool for his continued commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion across Sefton and the Liverpool City Region.  The judges said his ‘tireless advocacy, support and meaningful contributions’ have left a lasting impact on the region’s LGBTQ+ communities. 

The Outstanding Achievement Award celebrates an individual’s exceptional accomplishments in both their personal life and professional career.  

Spate of awards

Cllr Mhairi Doyle, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said:  “Although it is only small, our Public Health team certainly punches above its weight and this recent spate of awards is proof that.

“I would like to congratulate Margaret, Anna and Rory on their successes but also the rest of the team who do so much to protect and improve health and wellbeing and reduce health inequalities for local people.” 

You can can find out more about Public Health team’s work here.