Hartlepool Borough Council has appointed Chris Woodcock as its new Director of Public Health.
He had been on secondment with the Council as Interim Director of Public Health since November 2025.
Chris has joined the Council from North Tyneside Council where he was Deputy Director of Public Health. In his previous role he led on health protection, oversaw regional programmes on tobacco control and gambling harm reduction, implemented a new stop smoking service and served as the lead for vaccine inequalities and the North Tyneside Cancer Prevention Network.
Director of Public Health is a statutory role, and Chris will be focused on the health and wellbeing of residents, prevention of health issues, neighbourhood health and reducing inequalities, working with other Council departments and key partners to deliver better outcomes.
Jill Harrison, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Executive Director of Adult Services and Public Health said: “We are incredibly excited to appoint and welcome Chris as Director of Public Health here in Hartlepool.
“He brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and passion to the role. When making the appointment it was noted that Chris has already made a positive impact in the short time he has been in Hartlepool and has developed an understanding of local needs and communities.
“I look forward to working closely with Chris as we work towards making Hartlepool a healthier place to live.”
Chris said: “I’m really pleased to be appointed Director of Public Health at Hartlepool Borough Council.
“In the time I’ve spent in Hartlepool so far, I’ve been struck by the commitment and drive of staff across the Council who work every day to make the town a healthier place to live. I’m looking forward to building on that work in the years ahead.
“Good health and wellbeing enable us to live happy and fulfilling lives. My focus now is on creating the conditions that help every community in Hartlepool to thrive. That means looking not just at health services, but at the wider factors that shape our wellbeing and opportunities in life.