Public Health Knowledge and Intelligence Professional: Pay, Salary, Progression & How to Become
A Public Health Knowledge and Intelligence Professional is a Local Authority, UKHSA, OHID, or NHS senior specialist who produces, curates, and disseminates public health intelligence products, typically on Agenda for Change Band 6 to Band 8a. The role delivers the knowledge-translation function that turns analytical outputs into decision-ready intelligence, sitting above the Public Health Intelligence Analyst in the analytical value chain. The five professional types span the Public Health Knowledge Manager or PHI Manager, the Public Health Information Specialist, the Health Intelligence Consultant, the Healthcare Public Health Intelligence Lead, and the Head of Public Health Intelligence.
Earnings run across Band 6, Band 7, and Band 8a, set by the 2026/27 Agenda for Change pay scale, the framework that determines each band, and the annual pay rise. Pay progression moves from Band 6 to Band 7 to Band 8a Head of Public Health Intelligence, with unsocial hours and overtime applying only where rostered. Take-home pay follows once pension, tax, and National Insurance deductions come off the payslip, and the same salary base sets maternity pay and sick pay. Entry runs through a quantitative degree, intelligence experience, and UKPHR registration, and the role's band, UKPHR status, high-cost-area supplement, Health Data Research UK access, and hourly rate complete the picture, starting with the definition of the role.
What Is a Public Health Knowledge and Intelligence Professional?
A Public Health Knowledge and Intelligence Professional produces, curates, and disseminates public health intelligence products to inform public health decisions. The role delivers knowledge translation — turning analytical outputs into decision-ready intelligence for Directors of Public Health and Health and Wellbeing Boards — and sits between the Public Health Intelligence Analyst's analytical work and the Public Health Specialist's strategic scope. A Public Health Knowledge and Intelligence Professional designs Joint Strategic Needs Assessments, thematic needs assessments, and health equity audits.
Public Health Knowledge and Intelligence Professionals maintain the OHID Fingertips profile for their local authority, oversee Public Health Outcomes Framework reporting, and govern public health intelligence methodology. The role synthesises evidence, curates the evidence base, and delivers analytical training to the public health team, working across Local Authority public health teams, the UK Health Security Agency, OHID, and NHS trusts.
What Does a Public Health Knowledge and Intelligence Professional Do?
A Public Health Knowledge and Intelligence Professional designs public health intelligence products and leads knowledge translation from data to decision. Core duties cover strategic intelligence product design — Joint Strategic Needs Assessments, thematic needs assessments, health equity audits, and RightCare packs — plus evidence synthesis and rapid literature review. A Public Health Knowledge and Intelligence Professional maintains the OHID Fingertips profile, oversees Public Health Outcomes Framework reporting, and governs public health intelligence methodology.
Knowledge management, public health library liaison, and evidence-base curation sit with the role, alongside analytical training for the public health team and partnership work with Health Data Research UK. A Public Health Knowledge and Intelligence Professional works with epidemiologists and statisticians to monitor health trends and inform service planning at local, regional, and national levels.
What Is the Difference Between a Public Health Knowledge and Intelligence Professional and a Public Health Intelligence Analyst?
A Public Health Knowledge and Intelligence Professional designs intelligence products and leads knowledge translation, while a Public Health Intelligence Analyst produces the underlying analytical work. Professionals on Band 7–8a turn analytical outputs into strategic decision-making, sitting above analysts in the value chain. Public Health Intelligence Analysts on Band 6–7 carry out data extraction, statistical analysis, and GIS mapping.
A Public Health Knowledge and Intelligence Professional focuses on knowledge translation and product design rather than raw data analysis. A Public Health Intelligence Analyst concentrates on the data-driven analytical outputs that the professional then translates into decision-ready intelligence.
What Are the Different Types of Public Health Knowledge and Intelligence Professional?
The different types of Public Health Knowledge and Intelligence Professional are distinguished by the intelligence function each one leads and are listed below:
Public Health Knowledge Manager / PHI Manager
A Public Health Knowledge Manager, also called a PHI Manager, manages the public health intelligence team and leads the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment. The role maintains information systems, governs public health intelligence methodology, and improves how datasets, reports, and intelligence products are stored, shared, and updated. A Public Health Knowledge Manager leads intelligence teams and coordinates analytical projects so data-driven insight translates into public health strategy, forming the largest of the professional roles.
Public Health Information Specialist
A Public Health Information Specialist manages and organises health data and evidence to support public health decisions. The role runs public health library liaison, curates the evidence base, and partners with Library and Knowledge Services. A Public Health Information Specialist maintains knowledge repositories, conducts literature searches, and gives expert guidance on accessing health evidence so public health decisions rest on accurate and current information.
Health Intelligence Consultant (UKHSA / OHID)
A Health Intelligence Consultant works within the UK Health Security Agency or the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities on national surveillance intelligence products. The role designs insight reports, oversees the Fingertips programme, and leads national public health intelligence methodology. A Health Intelligence Consultant translates complex surveillance findings into recommendations for public health leaders, supporting national needs assessments and decision-making.
Healthcare Public Health Intelligence Lead
A Healthcare Public Health Intelligence Lead works at integrated care board level, producing commissioning intelligence and designing RightCare packs. The role manages population health data analysis for healthcare planning and service improvement, working with clinicians and managers to shape priorities from evidence of need, inequality, and outcome. A Healthcare Public Health Intelligence Lead oversees complex analytical projects that influence healthcare delivery and resource allocation.
Head of Public Health Intelligence
A Head of Public Health Intelligence leads the intelligence function at Band 8a to Band 8b, directing teams and holding public health intelligence budget accountability. The role sets health intelligence strategy, supports the Director of Public Health with decision-ready analysis, and drives innovation in data use. A Head of Public Health Intelligence turns complex analysis into insight that influences health policy and service planning at regional and national levels.
How Much Does a Public Health Knowledge and Intelligence Professional Earn?
A Public Health Knowledge and Intelligence Professional earns between £39,959 and £64,750 in 2026/27 on the Agenda for Change pay scale. Band 6 entry roles pay £39,959 to £48,117, senior Band 7 roles pay £49,387 to £56,515, and Band 8a Head of Public Health Intelligence roles pay £57,528 to £64,750, according to the NHS England Agenda for Change pay scales for 2026/27 published by NHS Employers. Progression within each band comes through annual increments, and high-cost-area supplements raise pay for professionals working in and around London.
How Much Does a PHKI Professional Earn Per Hour?
A Public Health Knowledge and Intelligence Professional earns between roughly £20.50 and £33 per hour in 2026/27, depending on band. A Band 6 professional on £39,959 to £48,117 earns about £20.50 to £24.70 per hour, a Band 7 professional on £49,387 to £56,515 earns about £25.30 to £29 per hour, and a Band 8a Head of Public Health Intelligence on £57,528 to £64,750 earns about £29.50 to £33 per hour. High-cost-area supplements raise the hourly figure for professionals working in and around London.
PHKI Professional Band 6 Salary
A Public Health Knowledge and Intelligence Professional on Band 6 earns £39,959 to £48,117 in 2026/27, the entry band. Band 6 covers data analysis, interpretation, and intelligence reporting to support public health initiatives, and requires a quantitative degree with competency in data management and statistical analysis. Progression through Band 6 comes through annual increments, and professionals often hold an MSc in Public Health, Epidemiology, or Health Data Science.
PHKI Professional Band 7 Salary
A Public Health Knowledge and Intelligence Professional on Band 7 earns £49,387 to £56,515 in 2026/27, a senior band. Band 7 reflects sustained public health intelligence scope, knowledge-translation lead responsibility, and UKPHR Practitioner registration. The role leads specific analytical products, advises on data interpretation, and shapes health policy, forming the step toward Band 8a Head of Public Health Intelligence.
Head of Public Health Intelligence Band 8a Salary
A Head of Public Health Intelligence on Band 8a earns £57,528 to £64,750 in 2026/27, the senior leadership band. Band 8a covers strategic public health intelligence leadership, Director of Public Health intelligence support, and budget accountability. The role manages national or regional projects and leads teams, and many senior professionals hold UKPHR Specialist registration and a PhD alongside a Master's.
What Is the PHKI Professional Pay Scale for 2026/27?
The 2026/27 Public Health Knowledge and Intelligence Professional pay scale runs under the Agenda for Change framework across Bands 6, 7, and 8a. Band 6 entry roles pay £39,959 to £48,117, Band 7 senior roles pay £49,387 to £56,515, and Band 8a Head of Public Health Intelligence roles pay £57,528 to £64,750. Each band holds several pay points for incremental progression, and the figures apply across NHS England, local authorities, the UK Health Security Agency, and OHID. High-cost-area supplements add to basic salary in London and surrounding areas.
How Is PHKI Professional Pay Determined by Agenda for Change?
Public Health Knowledge and Intelligence Professional pay is determined by the Agenda for Change framework, which sets pay by role responsibility, skills, and knowledge. The NHS Job Evaluation Scheme matches the role to a band — Band 6 for entry roles with an MSc in Public Health, Epidemiology, or Health Data Science, Band 7 for sustained intelligence scope with UKPHR Practitioner registration, and Band 8a for Head of Public Health Intelligence scope with UKPHR Specialist registration. Each band holds several pay points for annual progression, and local authority employment sits on transferred NHS Agenda for Change terms.
How Much Did PHKI Professional Pay Rise in 2026?
Public Health Knowledge and Intelligence Professional pay rose by 3.3% for 2026/27 under the Agenda for Change settlement, applied to every pay point from 1 April 2026, confirmed in the NHS Employers pay circular published in February 2026. The consolidated uplift covers Bands 6, 7, and 8a and became part of permanent basic salary. High-cost-area supplements rise with the uplifted basic pay. Professionals confirm the final figure for their band and pay point through NHS Employers guidance.
How Does PHKI Professional Pay Progression Work?
Public Health Knowledge and Intelligence Professional pay progression runs through the Agenda for Change banding system. A professional starts at the bottom of the assigned band and moves up the incremental pay points annually against satisfactory performance and service, reaching the top of the band over several years. Progression to a higher band requires a competitive application to a Band 7 or Band 8a vacancy with increased competency and responsibility, often supported by further qualifications in epidemiology, statistics, or public health.
How Do PHKI Professionals Move From Band 6 to Band 7?
Public Health Knowledge and Intelligence Professionals move from Band 6 to Band 7 by taking on sustained intelligence scope, UKPHR Practitioner registration, and knowledge-translation lead responsibility. The transition requires public health intelligence methodology governance, published analytical products, and expanded OHID Fingertips profile scope. Candidates meet the Band 7 person specification through advanced analytical capability and often a postgraduate qualification in public health, epidemiology, or statistics.
How Do PHKI Professionals Progress to Head of PHI Roles?
Public Health Knowledge and Intelligence Professionals progress to Head of Public Health Intelligence roles through UKPHR Specialist registration, strategic team leadership, and ADPH public health intelligence network representation. The move requires a strong record in intelligence delivery, leadership of national or regional projects, and Health Data Research UK partnership scope. A Master's plus a PhD is typical for the role, alongside stakeholder management and cross-system partnership skills.
How Much Do PHKI Professionals Earn for Unsocial Hours?
Public Health Knowledge and Intelligence Professionals mostly work standard weekday hours, so night and weekend cover pay is uncommon in the role. Where a professional is rostered outside standard hours, Agenda for Change Section 2 enhancements apply — 30% for weekday nights between 8pm and 6am and for all day Saturday, and 60% for Sundays and public holidays. The enhancement counts as pensionable pay. Pandemic response and outbreak analytical support on-call rotas attract an on-call supplement, and evening or weekend Health and Wellbeing Board attendance attracts enhancement where rostered.
How Much Overtime Does a PHKI Professional Earn?
A Public Health Knowledge and Intelligence Professional on Band 6 or Band 7 earns payment for extra hours at time-and-a-half for hours worked beyond the standard 37.5-hour week, and double time on general public holidays only. Band 8a Heads of Public Health Intelligence take time off in lieu rather than paid overtime, since senior roles carry an expectation of extended hours within the salary. Overtime for Public Health Knowledge and Intelligence Professionals stays uncommon and depends on public health demand and local employer policy.
How to Calculate PHKI Professional Take-Home Pay
Take-home pay for a Public Health Knowledge and Intelligence Professional starts from the gross salary and ends after statutory deductions. The calculation runs through the following steps:
Determine the gross salary
Set the gross salary from the Agenda for Change band — Band 6 from £39,959, Band 7 from £49,387, and Band 8a from £57,528 for 2026/27.
Add additional earnings
Add any high-cost-area supplement, unsocial hours enhancement, or overtime that applies to the role.
Calculate income tax
Apply income tax against the 2026/27 bands — the first £12,570 is tax-free, 20% from £12,571 to £50,270, and 40% above £50,270.
Subtract National Insurance
Deduct National Insurance at 8% of earnings between £12,570 and £50,270 and 2% above £50,270.
Deduct pension contributions
Deduct the NHS Pension Scheme contribution, set between 5.2% and 12.5% of pensionable pay across six salary tiers.
Account for other deductions
Subtract student loan repayments, union fees, and salary-sacrifice items, then divide annual net pay by 12 for the monthly take-home figure.
Use our NHS net pay tool for an instant estimate.
What Deductions Come Off a PHKI Professional Payslip?
A Public Health Knowledge and Intelligence Professional monthly payslip breakdown carries income tax, National Insurance, and NHS Pension Scheme contributions as the standard deductions. Income tax comes off through PAYE against the professional's tax code, and National Insurance takes 8% of earnings between £12,570 and £50,270 with 2% above that threshold. NHS Pension Scheme contributions run from 5.2% to 12.5% of pensionable pay across six salary tiers effective 1 April 2026, as set out in "NHS Pension Scheme member contributions" published by NHS Employers. Student loan repayments and voluntary items such as union fees or salary-sacrifice schemes complete the deductions.
How Does PHKI Professional Maternity Pay Work?
Public Health Knowledge and Intelligence Professional occupational maternity pay follows the NHS Terms and Conditions of Service for professionals with at least 12 months of continuous NHS service by the 11th week before the expected week of childbirth. NHS occupational maternity pay gives 8 weeks at full pay, then 18 weeks at half pay plus Statutory Maternity Pay, then 13 weeks of Statutory Maternity Pay alone, across 52 weeks of maternity leave. Professionals below the 12-month service threshold receive Statutory Maternity Pay only where they qualify. The maternity figure builds on the professional's Band 6–8a salary at the qualifying date.
How Does PHKI Professional Sick Pay Work?
Public Health Knowledge and Intelligence Professional paid sickness leave follows the Agenda for Change terms and rises with length of NHS service. Entitlement runs from 1 month full pay and 2 months half pay in the first year, to 2 months full pay and 2 months half pay after one year, 4 months full and 4 months half after two years, 5 months full and 5 months half after three years, and 6 months full pay and 6 months half pay after five years. Sick pay builds on the professional's substantive salary, and the professional follows the employer's absence reporting rules with a fit note for longer absences.
How to Become a Public Health Knowledge and Intelligence Professional
Becoming a Public Health Knowledge and Intelligence Professional runs through a quantitative degree, intelligence experience, and UKPHR registration. The pathway follows these steps:
Obtain relevant academic qualifications
Complete a first degree in statistics, data science, public health, epidemiology, or a life science, giving a foundation in data analysis, research methods, and statistics.
Start in an intelligence role
Begin as a Public Health Intelligence Analyst or assistant knowledge manager, learning data extraction, analysis, interpretation, and reporting, with structured training available through OHID.
Develop technical competency
Build proficiency in R, Stata, Python, and SQL, GIS software such as QGIS or ArcGIS, evidence synthesis, and health intelligence reporting.
Complete a Master's degree
Complete an MSc in Public Health, Epidemiology, or Health Data Science, which entry and progression to the role require.
Achieve UKPHR registration
Gain UKPHR Practitioner registration through portfolio assessment for Band 7, and UKPHR Specialist registration for Band 8a Head of Public Health Intelligence.
Build leadership capability
Develop project management, team leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills for senior roles, where a PhD is typical for progression to Head of Public Health Intelligence.
What Qualifications Do You Need to Be a PHKI Professional?
A Public Health Knowledge and Intelligence Professional needs a first degree in statistics, data science, public health, epidemiology, or a life science, plus an MSc in Public Health, Epidemiology, or Health Data Science. Programming in R, Stata, Python, or SQL and GIS software such as QGIS or ArcGIS support the role. UKPHR Practitioner registration supports Band 7 progression and UKPHR Specialist registration supports Band 8a, and many senior professionals hold a PhD in Public Health or Epidemiology.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Public Health Knowledge and Intelligence Professional?
Becoming a Public Health Knowledge and Intelligence Professional takes around six to eight years from university entry. The route runs a three-year first degree, a two-year Master's, and three or more years of intelligence analyst experience before a Band 6–7 professional role. The NHS Public Health Practitioner Apprenticeship offers an alternative entry, and senior progression to Head of Public Health Intelligence typically requires a PhD.
What Band Is a Public Health Knowledge and Intelligence Professional?
A Public Health Knowledge and Intelligence Professional sits on Agenda for Change Band 6, Band 7, or Band 8a. Band 6 is the entry band for gathering, managing, and analysing health data to produce intelligence, and Band 7 covers senior professionals leading knowledge translation and intelligence products. Band 8a is the band for a Head of Public Health Intelligence, leading the function with strategic and budget responsibility. The band matched to a role depends on its responsibility, scope, and strategic input.
Are PHKI Professionals UKPHR Registered?
Yes, Public Health Knowledge and Intelligence Professionals are typically UKPHR registered. UKPHR Practitioner registration is typical for Band 7 progression, and UKPHR Specialist registration is typical for Band 8a Head of Public Health Intelligence. Registration is portfolio-based assessment against the Public Health Practitioner or Specialist Standards, and the ADPH public health intelligence network maintains a PHI-specific competency framework that adds subject-matter specificity. Registration is not statutorily mandatory but is increasingly expected for senior intelligence roles.
Do PHKI Professionals Get London Weighting?
Public Health Knowledge and Intelligence Professionals receive a high-cost-area supplement rather than London weighting, and only where the post sits in a designated high-cost area. The supplement pays 20% of basic salary in Inner London, 15% in Outer London, and 5% in the Fringe, each within set minimum and maximum limits. Posts outside those areas carry no high-cost-area supplement.
Do PHKI Professionals Use HDR UK?
Yes, Public Health Knowledge and Intelligence Professionals increasingly use Health Data Research UK, the national institute for health data science. Health Data Research UK provides access to federated health data through the Data Innovation Gateway and Trusted Research Environments, which professionals use for the secondary use of NHS data, cross-boundary intelligence products, and pandemic response analytics. The ONS Secure Research Service provides parallel access to ONS microdata for public health intelligence purposes.