Jim McManus is a public health and public service leader, strategist, psychologist and theologian whose career spans over three decades of transformative work at the intersection of health, science, faith, and public policy.
Currently serving as the National Director of Health and Wellbeing at Public Health Wales, Jim seeks to blend scientific rigour, insight, and practical application.
Jim is Editor of the Sage and RSPH Journal Perspectives in Public Health
He has a longstanding commitment to voluntary work and leadership, instilled by his parents who taught him the practical value of caring for others. Born in Fife, Scotland, his father was a soldier then bus driver and his mother a factory worker.
His work spans local and national systems, with a focus on integrating scientific evidence, public policy, leadership ans practicl action to improve population health and wellbeing.
He has served on the boards and advisory committees of several charities large and small, and was awarded the Good Samaritan Medal for Excellence in Healthcare by Pope Benedict XVI in recognition of his contributions to health and social justice.
His involvement includes work with organisations focused on mental health, HIV and sexual health, and community wellbeing. He is also an Honorary Vice-President of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health and a Fellow of the International Society for Science and Religion, reflecting his efforts to bridge science, ethics, and faith in service of the public good.
Before joining Public Health Wales, Jim served as Director of Public Health for Hertfordshire, where he led work on health protection, mental health, and system-wide prevention strategies. He also served as President of the Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH), contributing to national policy discussions and advocating for the role of public health in addressing health inequalities and system resilience.
Jim’s background includes psychology, public health, and theology, and he is a Fellow of the Faculty of Public Health. His interdisciplinary training has shaped his approach to leadership and policy, particularly in areas where science, ethics, and social context intersect. He has contributed to advisory groups including the UK Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) .
Jim has written and spoken on the role of faith in public service, the ethical dimensions of leadership, and the responsibilities of institutions in promoting health and justice. His contributions to public discourse include articles and commentary on topics such as the long-term impacts of austerity, the role of local government in health, and the integration of mental health into public health systems.
Jim’s writing has appeared in a range of professional and public platforms, including The Guardian, Local Government Chronicle, BMJ, The Tablet and various public health journals. He is known for his thoughtful analysis of complex policy issues and his commitment to evidence-informed practice.
In his current role, Jim is focused on strengthening the public health system in Wales, supporting cross-sector collaboration, and embedding wellbeing into national policy. His work continues to reflect a commitment to public service, ethical leadership, and the belief that health is a shared societal responsibility.
