BACKGROUND:
The WHO – ASPHER roadmap for professionalising public health workforce has highlighted the key pillars for professionalisation of the workforce are: core competencies for public health workforce; education and training; and code of ethics and professional conduct, with leadership in their development and implementation.

METHODS:
The session will draw on experience, learning and insights gathered from national and global public health organisations, including the UK FPH, GNAPH, EUPHA, SA CPHM and WHO. The purpose of the session is to share research and practical insights in the development and implementation of core professionalisation pillars and levers, and to reflect on collaborative learning with international partners working in diverse public health systems.

RESULTS:
Public health is an art and science, preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health, through the organised effort of society. The Faculty project on what is public health has highlighted the need for a diverse workforce to effectively fulfil its mandate, and the role of the pillars and levers for the specialist public health workforce. As well as sharing research on the professionalisation of the public health workforce, the panel will also share the case for and experience of creating a multidisciplinary professional public health workforce, and partnership in sharing knowledge, collaboration and advocacy.

CONCLUSIONS:
There is need for leadership and a systematic organic approach to consider the main levers for professionalisation, namely: competencies and career pathing; capacity building, training and education; formal organisation; professional credentialing and accreditation; creating code of ethics and professional conduct. Such levers need to appreciate local context and environments and be regularly reviewed and adjusted in light of local circumstances and issues. There is need for funding not only for public health programmes but adequate funding for a public health professional workforce