Adopting a Health In All Policies approach
Local authorities must consider the health implications of all their decisions – so how should they go about this?
HEALTH, CARE & SUPPORT
Image: Istock
Liz Zacharias
Director, Campbell Tickell
Issue 66 | June 2023
In 2016 Public Health England (PHE) and the Local Government Association (LGA) issued guidance for local authorities on taking a ‘Health in All Policies’ (HiAP) approach. The World Health Organisation defines a HiAP as: “An approach that systematically takes into account the health implications of decisions, seeks synergies and avoids harmful health impacts to improve population health and health equity.” What impact has this had?
Many councils have positively ensured that the health of their local populations is a key driver and a golden thread throughout all their decisions. This has included, for example, carrying out health impact assessments for all papers going to committees or cabinet for sign-off.
Housing context
In housing, we have long tried to involve health in the benefits of working closely with us. In particular this applies to understanding that a stable home can be the foundation of good health and mental wellbeing.
Further, we know that many of the asset management issues currently facing the social housing sector – e.g. damp and mould, net zero-carbon homes, thermal efficiency (having warm homes in winter and cool homes in summer) – can be viewed through a health lens.
To tackle these issues, asking what the likely impact on individual and population health of enacting a HiAP approach, is a good place to start.
“A stable home can be the foundation of good health and mental wellbeing.”
Questions to consider
So, how does a council officer promote a HiAP approach?
Although it is not just the job of public health to be custodians of this approach, it does help to have leadership and co-ordination. All departments can take a health-focused approach by asking themselves the following questions when shaping activities, policies, and processes:
- How can a HiAP approach help to deliver in my strategic aims?
- What is the health dimension of my work and areas of responsibility?
- Who else do I need to collaborate with to promote and tackle the issues from a health perspective?
- What action can we take collectively that will impact on the areas of policy that are of concern to me and promote the health of our local population?
A central health data set
We live in a world where data is key to driving insights and strategy development. Therefore the following questions are also important:
- What are the local population demographics?
- What is the prevalence of different needs and conditions?
- How do local people interact with your services – and with local health services?
- Are there specific populations that you know very little about?
Developing a good data set on your local population health metrics and demographics is important. This is not just in terms of health conditions, or impact of cost of living, but also in terms of assets and strengths.
While none of this is new, if you want to ensure that all activities promote local population health, then having a central data source that anyone looking to shape strategy, or influence health policies, can access is critical.
Fundamentally, a Health in All Policies approach addresses the wider determinants of health. This is the case whether it is about tackling child obesity through the way housing estate regeneration is considered – so that there are green spaces and opportunities to walk and play – or about promoting a local food strategy.
The ability to consider the health impact of different proposals when taking planning decisions is a tremendous advantage.
“If you want to ensure that all activities promote local population health, then having a central data source that anyone looking to shape strategy, or influence health policies, can access is critical.”
