Developing a health promoting university initiative within the context of inter-sectoral action for sustainable public health: reflections from the University of Central Lancashire

Abstract

During the past few years, a number of universities have sought to apply the settings-based approach to health promotion within the context of higher education. The University of Central Lancashire became one of the first universities in Europe to establish a strategic Health Promoting University initiative when it appointed a Coordinator in 1995. With the overall aims of integrating within the organisation an understanding of and commitment to holistic health and to developing its health promoting potential, the initiative has developed its work programme across a breadth of health-related issues. Operating within the broader context of inter-sectoral working, the Health Promoting University has sought to maximise integrative and synergistic action for sustainable public health. The first paper presented will briefly outline the context of higher education in the UK, before providing an overview of the health promoting university approach, using the University of Central Lancashire's initiative as a case study and describing some of the key processes involved in moving from idea to implementation. The second paper that follows will discuss the theoretical basis for the health promoting university initiative, describe its work programme in more detail and critically discuss the key opportunities and challenges faced, both within the organisation and in the context of inter-sectoral working. It will go on to outline the work of the newly established Settings Development Unit and explore its potential to support collaborative working and contribute to sustainable public health.