Graham Rushbrook
Director of RBE Associates
Graham has worked in health and social care settings for 30 years, both as a social worker and subsequently a public health specialist. During my time as an NHS Director I led on the development of health improvement programmes that spanned sexual health and HIV, primary care development and training, always against a backdrop of change. I have also worked at the Department of Health, leading on the public health input for the health champions and health trainer programme.
He now works now on an advisory basis for both the Royal Society of Public Health and NICE focussing on the potential of behaviour change interventions across all statutory provision. A personal commitment to challenging discrimination was realised when he became a founder of the UK LGBT Health summit, now in its fifth year.
Graham says, “Setting up RBE was a dream come true. I get to work with amazing people and can develop strong relationships with individuals and organisations. I enjoy the challenge of helping things work better and if they can’t be fixed, finding ways that change can be effective by drawing on the experiences and expectations of clients and staff alike.”
Professional
Certificate in Social Services; Approved Social Worker; Advanced Award in Social Work; Masters in Child Protection (Tavistock Clinic/UEL); PETTLS approved trainer: Prince 2; Financial Planning certificates 1 & 2 (FSA); Fellow of the Royal Society of Public Health; Member of the NICE professional development group for behaviour change
Career Highlights
Graham has dedicated his career to public health, community engagement, and social impact, focusing on behaviour change, health equity, and grassroots empowerment. With extensive experience in project leadership, training, and governance, he has played a pivotal role in strengthening communities and improving public health outcomes.
Trustee – The Sarah Lee Trust (2018–2022)
As a trustee of The Sarah Lee Trust in Hastings, Graham supported governance and fundraising for this vital charity, which provides complementary therapies and emotional support for people with life-limiting illnesses.
Royal Society for Public Health – Awards & Behaviour Change (2018–present)
Graham chairs the RSPH Health and Wellbeing Awards, recognising excellence in public health, and is an active member of RSPH’s Special Interest Group for Behaviour Change**, contributing to national discussions on public health strategies.
Honorary Fellow – Royal Society for Public Health (2022)
In recognition of his public health contributions, Graham was awarded an Honorary Fellowship by RSPH. He played a key role in developing qualifications, including courses on vaccination uptake and climate change behaviour change, successfully piloted in Westminster.
Key Career Milestones
- Tavistock Clinic – Worked with abused children and their carers while completing a master’s programme.
- Director of Health First – Expanded a specialist health promotion service in South East London, extending its reach beyond NHS staff to local authorities and voluntary sectors.
- UK LGBT Health Summit – A founding member, ensuring marginalised voices influenced NHS service commissioning.
- Department of Health – Led the development of the health trainer programme, creating a new, qualified public health workforce.
Through leadership, innovation, and advocacy, Graham continues to make a lasting impact in public health and community wellbeing.
When I’m not working…
I love travel, gardening, cars and shopping. My garden is packed with plants from all over the place. Travelling and shopping often combine, and I enjoy having different things that help me reminisce. As for cars, I dissapeared from my parents home at two years old and was found sitting in an abandoned car pretending I could drive- very Toad of Toad hall!
“Graham connects with all sorts of people in all sorts of situations. He has a lot of energy, bringing enthusiasm to others when they are flagging. He has an honest, open manner and always represents the underdog. He is really imaginative, not afraid to try new things or try things again that didn’t work well in the past by looking at what went wrong. Above all else he brings emotional intelligence to his work and always sees the client perspective”