Active Systems

The role of ‘best investment’ methodology in shaping priorities in many health policy areas is becoming increasingly prominent. Whilst this has traditionally been seen as a technocratic exercise, the social and political context of such practices and the constructed nature of decisions are now considered significant. In this context, this article reports on a longitudinal case study of such a process that sought to identify ‘best investments’ in public health interventions related to promoting physical activity.

The purpose of this paper is to report and critically reflect on the methodological processes involved in a formal attempt to promote health and social integration in the rarely reported public health domain of physical activity promotion.

By moving together, we can move more. In the spirit of creating a movement that supports people living with health conditions to move in fun and accessible ways, this short report captures essential insights shared at the 2024 Movement for Health conference.

Chief Medical Officer's (CMO) third annual report, and the seventh on Realistic Medicine. It reflects on the challenges our system is facing and asks professionals to practise Realistic Medicine, in order to deliver value based health and care and a more sustainable system. Scottish Government 2023.

An evidence-based systems-wide approach to increasing levels of physical activity in Scotland for policy makers and practitioners. Includes a wide range of actions across multiple sectors and settings which will allow the necessary changes to be made to help get more people moving actively and lead to more positive health outcomes. Public Health Scotland 2022

Systems thinking allows individuals and organisations to understand the complex relationships and contexts surrounding social issues in order to best influence and navigate the system. This toolkit includes a range of tools to help understand an issue and its system, create a plan for action, or learn and refine as you go.

To realise Scotland’s public health priorities we need to work more effectively together as part of a whole system approach (WSA). This website provides background to WSA and guidance on how to apply a systems thinking, methods and practice to better understand public health challenges and identify collective actions.

WHO global action plan and framework of effective and feasible policy actions to increase physical activity at all levels. Provides global leadership and stronger regional and national coordination, and advocates for the need for a whole-of-society response to achieve a paradigm shift in both supporting and valuing all people being regularly active, according to ability and across the life course. World Health Organisation 2018

The International Society for Physical Activity and Health provides an overview of best evidence which can be used to advocate, inform and lead physical activity policy and discussion. A call to action for everyone, everywhere, including professionals, academics, civil society and decision makers, to embed physical activity in national and subnational policies. International Society for Physical Activity and Health 2020

An evidence-based systems-wide approach to increasing levels of physical activity in Scotland for policy makers and practitioners. Includes a wide range of actions across multiple sectors and settings which will allow the necessary changes to be made to help get more people moving actively and lead to more positive health outcomes. Public Health Scotland 2022