Physical activity critical in driving public health improvements

CIMSPA say the recent well documented increases in pressure and strain on the NHS are driving the inevitable knock-on effects of a lack of access to healthcare and ever-increasing waiting times. Both of which being significant factors in overall public satisfaction of our health service being at a staggering 40 year low of 29%.

The report from The Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) entitled ‘The Unusual Suspects: Unlocking the Potential of the Wider Public Health Workforce’ reinforces a widely publicised stance that a focus on an expanded public health workforce would offer unparalleled support and significantly more returns from public investment. It also emphasises the need for a greater focus on preventative measures, rather than to continue to simply focus on treatment and more reactive approaches.

As part of the report, the RSPH stress the need for greater collective support for the millions of people in the UK’s wider public health workforce that are positively contributing to the nation’s health.

The sport and physical activity workforce plays a hugely significant role in the public health workforce via the critical interventions and contributions we make that enable people to lead healthy and active lifestyles.

The Unusual Suspects: Unlocking the Potential of the Wider Public Health Workforce

The RSPH report highlights four key recommendations.

1. UK and devolved nation governments need to develop a cross-sector national strategy for the whole UK public health workforce.
   A joined-up approach to effectively grow and support a comprehensive public health workforce that is fit for the future.
2. The sector and relevant government departments need to think collectively and smartly about how to resource, upskill and empower the wider public health workforce to maximise their impact.
   Resourcing and funding training and development for the wider workforce.
3. The wider public health workforce need to be better recognised as contributing to public health and prevention.
   Recognition of the wider public health workforce is a crucial first step to harnessing their skills and experience.
4. The wider public health workforce needs clearer routes into public health and ways to develop and be recognised for their expertise in public health.
   Develop competencies for those working across public health which are inclusive, flexible, and adaptable for their sector.

Read more here from CIMSPA