Developing tools and resources to support action on the local commercial determinants of health

Abstract

Local government (LG) is an important level for action to address the commercial determinants of health (CDoH.) However, local policymaking systems are complex and face significant challenges to innovative action, particularly for cross-sectoral work as is required to address the CDOH. In this paper, we report work to develop tools and resources to support English LG organisations to address the CDoH through innovative, upstream actions. Phase 1 of the LHGP project involved a systematic review of existing literature on public health policy development and implementation in local government and semi-structured interviews with 38 officers working in LG in England. The interviews explored policymakers’ experiences with policies relevant to the CDOH and the factors impacting LG’s ability to develop and implement ambitious policy to address persistent, structural, CDoH-related issues. Drawing on the findings from both the literature review and interview studies, phase 2 involved two workshops with LG officers to co-produce tools and resources to support local government action in these areas. Analysis of the literature and interviews led to the identification of three key areas where support would be most helpful: 1) framing the CDOH and communicating the need for upstream, preventative policy approaches; 2) ensuring good governance and managing conflicts of interest while navigating relationships and potential partnerships with local businesses; and 3) sharing best public health practices between LGs. Tools were developed incorporating existing research evidence and expertise from practice. These tools and the method for developing them will be shared in the presentation alongside our reflections on the process and use of the tools. The presentation also seeks to elicit feedback on potential dissemination strategies beyond the UK, and to open a discussion on potential adaptation to other international contexts.