Active Systems

Explore active systems and discover a range of tools to enable you to apply a whole-systems approach to physical activity.
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Stories
Training & Learning
Policies
Programmes
Resources
Data
Evidence
Tools & Guides
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Evidence
CMO Annual Report
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.
Tools & Guides
A systems-based approach to physical activity in Scotland. A framework for action at a national and local level.
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
Tools & Guides
Systems Thinking Toolkit. Putting Systems Thinking into Practice in Your Organisation
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.
Tools & Guides
Supporting whole system approaches
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.
Evidence
Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018– 2030: More Active People for a Healthier World.
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
Evidence
Eight Investments that work for Physical Activity.
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
Evidence
A systems-based approach to physical activity in Scotland. A framework for action at a national and local level
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

Members & Partners

Movement for Health is a coalition of Scotland’s leading health charities, national agencies and academic institutions.  We are united in our commitment to support the least active people living with long term health conditions to be more physically active.