Responding to the King's Fund report A year like no other, Andrew Ridley, chair of the Community Network, which is hosted by the NHS Confederation and NHS Providers, said:

"The role of directors of public health has been absolutely pivotal during the pandemic, as this report rightly demonstrates.

"The immense value of their teams and the learning from the pandemic is rightly recognised, underscoring the importance of public health expertise as system working develops.

"It is clear too that more investment is needed in prevention and key public health services, which are often provided by community service providers, in order to make the best possible impact in keeping communities healthy. This means sufficient long-term investment including in workforce and infrastructure.

"We look forward to working with the new UK Health Security Agency and the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities to make sure the most is made of our public health expertise."