Nationwide research project on the public health service as an employer

The research project, funded by the Hans Böckler Foundation and led by Prof. Dr Benjamin Ewert (Fulda University of Applied Sciences), Prof. Dr Tanja Klenk (Helmut-Schmitt University Hamburg) and Dr Renate Reiter (FernUniversität Hagen), is investigating how the Public Health Service (ÖGD) has developed as a result of the change and modernisation processes triggered by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in the areas of personnel, management, organisation and networking. In addition, questions of equal opportunities, diversity and employee co-determination in the modernisation process are examined, taking into account structural and personnel heterogeneity. In addition, differences in the organisation and focus of work in different country-specific legal frameworks with regard to social services: benefits, prevention and health promotion on the one hand and control and supervisory measures on the other will be examined.

During the two-year project duration, a mixed-methods approach consisting of qualitative and quantitative elements will be used to analyse secondary literature, interview experts and conduct an online survey of the management level of all health authorities in Germany. The results of the research project provide an insight into the personnel structure of the health authorities and show which qualification profiles and professional development prospects characterise the public health service at local level.

Further information on the project is available on the website of the Hans Böckler Foundation or directly from the project team at Fulda University of Applied Sciences.