Work

How to improve collaboration across government departments to achieve healthy urban environments

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Insufficient cross-departmental collaboration within Government is a major barrier to prioritising health in urban development. This article explores practical ways to improve collaboration to achieve healthier urban environments. The findings are drawn from a knowledge exchange workshop attended by 79 key decision makers. Data was analysed using Rapid Qualitative Analysis. Five avenues for change were identified: (1) upscaling existing collaborations, (2) identifying a pilot issue with traction, (3) establishing effective public engagement, (4) creating a stakeholder matrix tool and (5) delivering a consensus building technique. These actions were seen as steps to a more integrated approach to collaboration across government.

Source: Contemporary Social Science

DOI: 10.1080/21582041.2026.2662221

Authors: Rachael McClatchey, Jack Newman, Sarah Ayres, Geoff Bates, Andrew Charlesworth-May, Stephen Aldridge

Institutions: University of Bristol, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, University of Bath, Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities

Language: English

Topic: Public Policy and Administration Research

Subfield: Public Administration

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Sustainable cities and communities, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: UK Prevention Research Partnership