Joint Working and Partnerships
Public health partnerships span a wide range of sectors, including local authorities, the NHS, voluntary and community organisations, academic institutions, and private sector stakeholders.
These collaborations are essential because they bring together diverse expertise, resources, and perspectives to tackle complex health challenges that no single organisation can address alone. Whether it’s improving health equity, responding to emergencies, or promoting healthier lifestyles, effective partnerships enable coordinated action, shared accountability, and more sustainable outcomes for communities.
The key to success is trust, shared goals, and using everyone’s strengths to help improve health for all.
Our partners include:
The UK Health Security Authority (UKHSA).
The UK Health Security Agency is responsible for protecting the public from infectious diseases, environmental hazards, and other health threats. It provides scientific expertise, surveillance, and emergency response capabilities to support national and local health protection. UKHSA works in close partnership with local authorities and Directors of Public Health, offering technical advice, outbreak management support, and data to inform local decision-making. These partnerships ensure that health protection efforts are coordinated, responsive to local needs, and grounded in shared accountability across the public health system.
The Office for Health Improvement & Disparities (OHID).
The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) is a government unit within the Department of Health and Social Care, established to lead national efforts in improving health and tackling inequalities across England. OHID works in close partnership with local authorities and Directors of Public Health (DsPH), who hold statutory responsibility for improving the health of their populations. These partnerships are essential for delivering national priorities at a local level. OHID provides data, evidence, and policy guidance to support local public health teams, while DsPH ensure that services are tailored to meet the specific needs of their communities. Together, they coordinate efforts through regional structures and forums, enabling a joined-up approach to public health that is both strategic and responsive to local challenges.
NHS England is responsible for overseeing the delivery of high-quality healthcare services across England, including commissioning services, setting national priorities, and ensuring equitable access to care.
In partnership with local authorities and Directors of Public Health (DsPH), NHS England supports a whole-system approach to improving health outcomes. DsPH provide expert public health advice to Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), contribute to joint strategic needs assessments, and help shape local health and wellbeing strategies. These partnerships ensure that NHS services are informed by local intelligence and aligned with broader public health goals, such as reducing health inequalities and improving access for underserved communities.
The Local Government Association (LGA).
The Local Government Association (LGA) represents councils across England and supports them to deliver effective local services. They advocate for local government interests, influence national policy, and provide guidance and resources to help councils improve performance.
The LGA works in partnership with local authorities and Directors of Public Health (DsPH), to promote place-based approaches to health improvement. It works to strengthen leadership, share best practice, and ensure that public health services—such as sexual health, substance misuse, and health protection—are responsive to local needs. The LGA also collaborates with DsPH to support strategic planning, emergency preparedness, and efforts to reduce health inequalities.
The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS).
The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) is the national leadership organisation for adult social care in England. It represents Directors of Adult Social Services (DASSs) and their teams, advocating for high standards in care and support services. ADASS works to influence policy, legislation, and funding decisions at local, regional, and national levels.
ADASS partners closely with Directors of Public Health (DsPH) to promote integrated, person-centred care. These partnerships are essential for addressing shared priorities such as prevention, early intervention, and tackling health inequalities.