Building and facilitating systems capabilities for healthy environments : the role of dedicated ‘healthy places’ postholders

Coombes, Emma and Spiliopoulos, Georgia and Madigasekera-Elliott, Lourdes and Wilkinson, Becky and Cannon, Jacqueline and Flitcroft, Tracey and Rodgers, Sarah E. and Halliday, Emma (2025) Building and facilitating systems capabilities for healthy environments : the role of dedicated ‘healthy places’ postholders. Cities & Health. ISSN 2374-8834

Abstract

Local government can play a key role in developing built and natural environments that promote health through statutory responsibilities for planning and other relevant functions. This article reports on an evaluation of local government efforts to build capabilities for healthy environments through the introduction of dedicated Healthy Places Officers. The study's aims were to identify any changes in capabilities and ways of working that supported local efforts to promote healthy environments. The evaluation involved a qualitative process study informed by a systems approach to evaluation. The evaluation found that the introduction of the roles had contributed to improved intersectoral working (particularly between planning and public health teams) and increased workforce capacity through delivery of training. There was also some evidence of more health relevant policies and plans having been developed in the two localities. The findings can help local government organisations understand the added value of specialist posts for healthy placemaking, which longer term can contribute to environments that improve health and wellbeing and reduce health inequalities.