As outlined in the Population Health Framework, we are “supporting better collaborative working between Health Boards and planning authorities”, in partnership with Heads of Planning Scotland. To better understand the current landscape, we have completed a survey of planning authorities, with responses covering all 34 authorities across Scotland. A corresponding survey is now live with the NHS Boards. These findings will provide a comprehensive picture of how planning and health colleagues are currently working together. This will identify both effective practice, areas for improvement, as well as supporting future collaboration where planning has a key role in improving population health.
We are also continuing to test and demonstrate how place-based tools can be used in practice. This includes work with Inverclyde Council to apply a Place and Wellbeing Assessment to a vacant site proposal. This example showcases how the Place Standard Tool, the Place & Wellbeing Outcomes and other place-based assessments can be used together to support decision-making and improve outcomes locally.
For any further information, please contact placeandwellbeing@improvementservice.org.uk or visit our website.