Scotland's Population Health Framework

Joint Foreword

We want everyone in Scotland to live healthy, happy lives for as long as possible. Supporting people’s health and wellbeing is key to reducing inequality, tackling child poverty and building a fairer Scotland.

Sadly too many lives are cut short in Scotland because of illness that can be prevented. The COVID-19 pandemic and the recent cost-of-living crisis have worsened inequalities and shown how vital it is to support those people most at risk of experiencing poor health – especially those from our poorest communities.

The evidence tells us that improving the lives and health of the people of Scotland requires joined up action from all of our public services, as well as our community organisations and businesses. Good health is created when certain building blocks are strong – that is, good jobs, access to a good education, safe communities – and people have access to good quality health and social care services that work to support them as individuals.

High quality health and care services are a vital priority for both Scottish Government and local authorities and our joint work to deliver reform is key to ensuring people can access support and care. However, we know that health is not just determined by what happens within the health and care system.

As much as 80% of what affects health happens outside the health and care system. The NHS is just one part of the whole system – local government, public agencies and a range of sectors and organisations – that must have a laser focus on preventing ill health. We will achieve this by tackling its causes to make Scotland a place where more people live longer, healthier lives.

Creating a society that improves health and wellbeing, and preventing poor health, is therefore at the heart of our ten-year Population Health Framework.

Partnership working between Scottish Government and COSLA has been vital to the development of the Framework and we are also grateful for the contributions of the many partners across a range of sectors who have engaged and collaborated.

The Population Health Framework sets out how national and local government will work with public sector partners, community organisations and business to tackle the root causes of ill health. This complements our commitment to tackling child poverty, a just transition to net zero and delivering sustainable public services that ensure the people of Scotland live in a country that supports their health and wellbeing.

Tackling the root causes of ill health to prevent poor health developing is key to ensuring people live healthier lives. We will progress reform to ensure long-term sustainability of public services, reduce health inequalities, further harness the benefits of digital technology and improve population health outcomes in Scotland.

This Framework sets out our vision for the next ten years. It includes a broad range of actions that seek to tackle the drivers of ill health. But these actions are a first step, and over the length of this Framework we will continue to review and deliver actions in partnership with public, community and private sector organisations. We are clear that this work must have impact and effective action is required to achieve this.

By working together in partnership and towards our shared aim to improve the health of the people in Scotland, we can create a Scotland where all our people and communities have the opportunity to live healthier, fulfilling lives.

John Swinney, First Minister,Scottish Government

Councillor Shona Morrison,President, Convention of ScottishLocal Authorities(COSLA)