Improvement Service

A Centre for Public Scrutiny publication designed to provide councils with the help, support and advice needed to tackle local health inequalities using the scrutiny process. The publication follows ten Scrutiny Development Areas through their own reviews and passes on the learning, tips and tools developed covering: what health inequalities are and why scrutiny is believed to be an effective tool for tackling them; the key attributes for a successful scrutiny review of health inequalities; the work of the 10 areas in individual case studies pulling out elements such as the reason for the review, the journey, key learning points, innovative practice and early signs of impact; and tools and techniques developed or refined during the programme.

A guide from Local Government Improvement Development which explains the challenges councils will face in reducing tobacco use in communities, as well as the opportunities they possess to affect change. It provides a framework for action for councils, outlining key tasks and demonstrating how interventions should be targeted to different audiences. The guide also shows why councils should consider tobacco control a priority and reveals why they should prioritise certain groups, such as 'routine and manual smokers', young people and pregnant smokers.

A collection of articles that explore the role of local government in addressing health inequalities through action on the social determinants of health (the socio-economic factors that affect the health of individuals and communities). Between them, the articles look at what is already happening within local government to tackle social determinants of health, and what more local government could do in the future. Although some of the articles refer to the English policy context, the report is relevant across the UK.

Elected member full reference guide to support the Short Guide released in September 2007

Report into the launch of the 'Short Guide for elected members on their role in Health Improvement' on the 25th September 2007.

Short Guide to highlight the role of the elected member in health improvement from the perspectives of their electorate, their council and their role in partnerships such as community planning partnerships, community health partnerships and NHS Boards.

Developing a Physical Activity Strategy in Scottish Local Authorities Health Scotland Guidance

This leaflet describes the work of the Local Government Health Improvement Programme in NHS Health Scotland

The full report on the findings of the PSR Discussion Event: A Health Improvement Focus held on the 28th August 2006 in response to the consultation on 'Transforming Public Services: The Next Phase of Reform'.

Flyer for the Sharing Local Government Health Improvement Practice Conference - 2nd October 2006

A Powerpoint presentation by Vivien Smith and Susan Wilson (Angus Council) on CPP/CHP Perspectives

PowerPoint presentation by Della Thomas (NHS Health Scotland) on Integrated Health Improvement Planning and Delivery

A powerpoint presentation by Miranda Alcock and Angela Canning (Audit Scotland) on the Audit Scotland Report into Community Planning

PowerPoint presentation by Colin McKay (Scottish Executive) on Public Service Reform

Two important documents were recently published 'Transforming Public Services:  The Next Phase of Reform' (SE, June 2006) and 'Community Planning:  An Initial Review' (Audit Scotland, June 2006). This paper aims to outline the context of these documents.  It then moves on to summarise the key findings and messages from both under the five fundamental area headings of reform and make connections to a specific cross cutting policy area that public services and Community Planning Partnerships are responding to through joint planning and delivery - the area of health improvement.