New policy research unit to drive health improvement in Scotland The Health Foundation pledges £1.2 million in grant funding to tackle inequalities north of the border

The independent charity, the Health Foundation, is setting up a new Policy Research Unit in Scotland to drive action to improve health and reduce inequalities.

Grant funding of up to £1.2 million is being offered to set up and run the unit, which will develop and deliver a three-year programme of activity exclusively in Scotland. This follows the independent review, led by the Health Foundation, into Scotland’s health and inequalities in 2022. Findings were set out in the report Leave no one behind earlier this year.

The review is thought to have been the most comprehensive of its kind carried out in Scotland since devolution and highlighted three areas of particular concern. These include the prevalence of drug-related deaths, inequalities in the health and experiences of infants and children, and health and socioeconomic outcomes among young and middle-aged men.

The Health Foundation is funding its next phase of work to build on the strong national and local commitment to improve health and reduce inequalities in Scotland. It aims to offer an objective and analytical perspective on Scottish policy discussions and bridge the divide between policy objectives and practical outcomes.

David Finch, Assistant Director of the Health Foundation, said:

'Our review into health inequalities in Scotland last year revealed a catalogue of complex and worrying trends, including a widening gap in the health of people living in the most deprived areas and the rest.

'The Health Foundation review was never intended to be an open and closed book, but instead, a starting point to open the debate around why these inequalities remain so stubbornly high.

'We promised to deliver a bold, collective response to these problems, and we’re delighted to commit a significant grant now to fund a new Policy Research Unit to explore the issues driving inequalities and, more importantly, improve the lives of those living with poor health.'

The Unit is expected to be operational by early 2024, and the Health Foundation is now inviting experienced policy research organisations based in Scotland to apply for funding.

Media contact  

Billie Morgan
billie.morgan@health.org.uk
020 7257 8001