A toolkit from Public Health Wales (PHW) aims to help other Welsh public bodies improve the health and wellbeing outcomes of people who experience socioeconomic disadvantage.
The guide from PHW is designed to ensure public bodies make a ‘tangible difference’ to communities in areas of deprivation. It includes a definition of their ‘Socioeconomic Duty’, and covers areas such as the impact of socioeconomic disadvantage on equality, and the need for strong, visible leadership.
All of this, plus ‘practical checklists’ are intended for organisations to embed their duty into their systems and processes.
Most public bodies in Wales – which includes PHW, local health boards, councils, and ministers – are legally required to adhere to the ‘Socioeconomic Duty’. It asks the public sector to make strategic decisions in reducing inequality that comes from socioeconomic disadvantage.
Professor Jo Peden, consultant of Public Health at the WHO Collaboration Centre for PHW, said the toolkit will enable public bodes ‘to utilise’ the duty ‘most effectively’, reiterating that it’s ‘not just a box-ticking exercise, but adds real value to the communities we serve.’
Image credit | PHW
