Health in all policies: a manual for local government

This manual brings together the arguments for a HiAP approach with practical suggestions for development at the local level.

View allPublic health articles

Health in All Policies (HiAP) is an approach to policies that systematically and explicitly takes into account the health implications of the decisions we make; targets the key social determinants of health; looks for synergies between health and other core objectives and the work we do with partners; and tries to avoid causing harm with the aim of improving the health of the population and reducing inequity.

It is now over three years since councils took on responsibility for public health and health and wellbeing boards (HWBs) took on their statutory role. Councils have welcomed their new role. Having secured a safe transition, they are now moving into a phase of transformational change. Success will depend on getting healthy policies embedded in all aspects of what a council and its partners do or, put simply, the extent to which councils become genuine public health councils.

HWBs will play a crucial role in building constructive relationships between departments, the NHS, local government and partners, including the voluntary sector, communities and other bodies.

Download Publication

Published by:
Reference code: