Population Health Framework Programme Board: terms of reference

Purpose of group

The Population Health Framework (PHF) Programme Board is responsible for overseeing and driving delivery of the programme’s initial actions, as well as supporting its continued development over its decade-long lifespan.

At a programme level, the Board will set strategic direction, monitor progress, and provide assurance that delivery is on track. It will ensure clear accountability for achieving the PHF’s agreed objectives, outcomes, and benefits, and will actively coordinate work across delivery partners to keep the programme moving at pace and delivering its intended impact.

Programme aim

The overarching aim of the Population Health Framework is to improve life expectancy in Scotland by 2035 while reducing the gap between the most deprived 20% of areas and the national average.

The Programme Board exists to support the delivery of this long-term aim, overseeing implementation, driving progress, and guiding development across the Framework’s decade-long lifespan, contributing to the Scottish Government’s vision of longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives for all.

Programme structure

The Population Health Framework is structured around five key drivers of health and wellbeing:

• prevention-focused system – strengthen collective accountability for population health outcomes and reduce inequalities
• social and economic factors – improve the social and economic conditions that support better health and reduce inequalities
• places and communities - create healthy and sustainable places by working with and within communities
•  enabling healthy living – develop supportive environments that promote health and wellbeing and reduce health-harming activities
• equitable health and care – foster a health and social care system that delivers equity, prevention, and early intervention

The Framework’s delivery initial priorities are:

• priority 1 - embedding prevention in our systems
• priority 2 - improving healthy weight

Guiding principles

The following principles informed the development of the Population Health Framework and shall guide the Programme Board in its implementation:

• prioritise creating and maintaining good health and preventing ill health
• focus support on the people and communities who need it most
• change systems and environments to support individuals to stay healthy
• deliver through a whole-system approach, both nationally and locally

Roles and responsibilities

To achieve its purpose, the Programme Board will lead and coordinate the delivery of the PHF by:

• maintaining programme-level oversight of partner and stakeholder contributions, ensuring delivery of the agreed aims, priorities, and outcomes, and alignment with the wider Public Service Reform Strategy and national health and social care priorities
• ensuring shared clarity across all partners on programme objectives, delivery milestones, and progress, supporting a collective understanding of the programme’s direction and its contribution to the Health and Social Care vision
• championing the programme’s aims and priorities and building shared ownership and accountability for its delivery amongst system leaders and delivery partners
• encouraging continuous improvement through open and constructive dialogue, surfacing innovative ideas, identifying opportunities for enhancement, and adapting delivery approaches where needed to maximise impact
• using monitoring and evaluation to assess delivery progress, identify gaps, and inform the development of actions beyond the initial two-year commitments of the Framework
• promoting integrated, cross-sector collaboration across the system to ensure coordinated action and delivery of benefits

Authority and decision making

Accountable to Scottish Ministers and COSLA Leaders, the Board will have delegated authority to fulfil its purpose and discharge its responsibilities, operating within the scope of its agreed remit and functions.

Reporting arrangements

Whilst the Board’s primary role is to oversee the delivery of the PHF programme, it will also contribute to the development of future iterations of the Framework. In doing so, the Board will ensure that proposed changes and new actions are submitted to, and considered by, the Reform Oversight Board, which sits above it and is co-chaired by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care and the COSLA Spokesperson for Health and Social Care.

The Board will work independently in managing programme delivery but will report regularly to the Reform Oversight Board, providing updates on progress, seeking advice on strategic direction, and ensuring alignment as implementation evolves and additional actions are developed

Governance

The Programme Board forms part of the overall governance picture for Health & Social Care Reform, which is overseen by a Reform Oversight Board, co-chaired by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care and the COSLA Spokesperson for Health and Social Care. The Oversight Board will provide strategic oversight across wider reform, assisting with programme delivery, guiding future areas of focus, and supporting the ongoing development of the PHF.

Further input will be provided by the Reform Executive, which will offer advice and guidance on wider reform matters as required. The PHF Programme Board will provide regular updates and progress reports to the Reform Executive to ensure alignment and oversight of programme delivery.

Decision making

The Programme Board has delegated authority to make decisions necessary to ensure the effective delivery of the Population Health Framework Programme within its remit. Decisions will be taken collectively by the Board, with members expected to act in the best interests of the Programme, based on evidence, expert advice, and input from delivery partners.

The Board’s decision-making responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• approving the Programme Delivery Plan and any updates or revisions
• endorsing the Programme Monitoring and Evaluation framework
• influencing the allocation of resources and approving solutions to address delivery challenges
• making executive decisions on actions, priorities, and outputs within the agreed Programme remit and the remits of the constituent Board members
• addressing risks or issues that may affect delivery, including escalation to the Reform Oversight Board where required
• providing guidance on the development of future actions under the PHF

Frequency of meetings

The Programme Board is expected to meet quarterly to oversee and coordinate delivery of the Population Health Framework.

Minute of meetings

Minutes of Programme Board meetings will be drafted by the Programme Board Secretariat. Draft minutes will be circulated for review and cleared by email during the month following the meeting, to ensure accuracy and agreement.

Chair and membership

The Programme Board will be jointly chaired by the SROs of the Population Health Framework Programme, Professor Linda Bauld, Chief Social Policy Advisor, Richrd Foggo, Director of Population Health and Nicola Dickie, Director of People Policy at CoSLA. The three co-chairs will jointly provide overall strategic leadership and ensure accountability for delivery.

Membership of the Board primarily comprises sector wide delivery-level representatives from across the whole system, as detailed below, who collectively have the expertise and authority to support the Board in fulfilling its remit. Membership may be adjusted over the course of the Programme as required and will be reviewed at least annually to ensure it remains appropriate.

Other relevant organisations and groups may be consulted or co-opted as the Programme progresses, to provide targeted expertise. The Programme Board will be supported in its work by the Programme Management Team, which provides administrative, coordination, and secretariat functions to facilitate effective delivery and decision-making.

Responsibilities of Programme Board members

It is the responsibility of each member of the Programme Board to:

• actively participate in meetings to ensure the group fulfils its remit
• review and prepare for meetings by accessing relevant papers in advance
• report back to relevant stakeholders on activities and progress of the Programme
• provide support and expertise to the Board in areas within their professional remit
• notify the PHF Programme Team at  PHF@gov.scot if unable to attend a meeting; if a deputy is to attend in their place, include their details in the email so an invite can be issued (meeting invites should not be forwarded to non-members)