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P02-3 Co-development of new online, evidence-based training package to support the implementation of planning guidance for healthier food environments

jech · 2026-04-17 · canonical JSON source

3 visible annotations · policy: published · automated confidence ≥ 75.00%

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Background Planning and public health professionals play a critical role shaping food environments which support healthier lives. Areas of high deprivation have higher concentrations of hot food takeaways, contributing to poor health across the life course. Public Health England ((PHE), now the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, (OHID)) issued guidance in 2020 on using the planning system to promote healthy weight environments, but implementation of the guidance has been inconsistent. Recognising the need for practical support, PHE commissioned the development of a cross-disciplinary online training programme to embed healthier food environment planning into continuing professional development (CPD) for planners and public health teams, enabling more consistent national action.Methods We adopted a Knowledge to Action Framework ensuring existing resources were effectively utilised and implementation maximised. A scoping exercise identified existing training packages, competency frameworks, and relevant national/local guidance. A classic Delphi survey, distributed via email, gathered/refined stakeholder input on proposed training content. We assessed current provision, identified gaps, and determined the demand for new training materials. Ethical approval was obtained; advisory input was sought from PHE/OHID throughout.Results There was limited CPD training specifically focusing on healthier food environments, despite strong practitioner interest. 35 respondents participated in stage 1 of the Delphi, 9 in the stage 2; clear support for accessible, flexible training that bridged the gap between planning and public health was demonstrated. We found momentum toward reunifying these disciplines, with increased awareness and willingness among professionals to collaborate. To address the limited focus on food environments in existing training, a new online CPD package was developed (topics include using evidence and the planning/policy system).Conclusion The new online, co-produced, evidence-based CPD package was created in response to a clear demand for integrated, practical support to support the implementation of planning guidance for healthier food environments.