Report on national workshop into childhood health inequalities
This report, in partnership with the Mental Health Foundation, presents the findings and recommendations from a national workshop on childhood inequalities in Scotland, which brought together experts, practitioners, policymakers, and community voices. It outlines the urgency of coordinated, long-term, and community-informed action to address the systemic challenges impacting children’s health and well-being.
Download the report – Report on national workshop into childhood health inequalities (644KB, PDF)
Executive summary
The workshop was organised around the following three sessions:
Needs of Children and Families and Research Gaps
Gaps were identified between policy and research on childhood health inequalities; within the existing academic research on such inequalities; and in practical delivery of national initiatives at the local level designed to reduce childhood health inequalities. These gaps broadly related to the inter-linked themes of co-ordination and connection; co-design and diversity; and data availability and use. Specific research gaps were identified regarding macro-level structural issues and topic-specific issues, and recommendations were made for improving research, policy and practice.
Policy Development and Implementation
The disconnect often experienced between disjointed policy development and uneven implementation was highlighted. Participants discussed a range of policies that could have an impact on tackling health inequalities, from cross-cutting strategic policy frameworks and principles (e.g. GIRFEC and SHANNARI) to specific sectoral initiatives (e.g. The Yard; Bookbug).
Learning from Practice
A range of interlinked issues that impede community-based initiatives to tackle childhood inequalities were identified. They include: a perceived lack of strategic planning and co-ordination, linked to resource constraints; a need to shift to more preventative interventions; a better balance between top-down and bottom-up approaches; more financial and other support for the third sector to deliver initiatives; and less bureaucracy in funding mechanisms.
Conclusion
Findings from the national workshop on childhood health inequalities highlight the urgent need for a more cohesive and inclusive approach to addressing the systemic and multifaceted challenges affecting children’s health in Scotland.
To move forward, the workshop called for enhanced collaboration across sectors, inclusive and accessible data practices, and a stronger emphasis on early intervention and upstream solutions. Participants also advocated for policies that are not only informed by robust research but also co-designed with the communities they aim to serve.
The national workshop on childhood health inequalities highlights the urgent need for a more cohesive and inclusive approach to addressing the systemic and multifaceted challenges affecting children’s health in Scotland.
Key themes that emerged – such as the disconnect between research, policy, and practice; the underrepresentation of diverse and lived experiences; and the limitations in data availability and usage – highlight the importance of collaborative, community-informed, and evidence-based strategies. The workshop emphasised that while numerous policies and initiatives exist, their effectiveness is often hindered by fragmented implementation, short-term political cycles, and insufficient long-term investment in preventative measures.
To move forward, the workshop called for enhanced collaboration across sectors, inclusive and accessible data practices, and a stronger emphasis on early intervention and upstream solutions. Participants advocated for policies that are not only informed by robust research but also co-designed with the communities they aim to serve.
Addressing childhood health inequalities requires sustained commitment, strategic planning, and a shift from reactive to proactive policy-making – anchored in equity, empathy, and long-term societal benefit.
Recommendations
The following recommendations were drawn from the rich discussion stimulated as part of this national workshop. The y focus on ways to enhance cohesion between research, policy, and practi ce so childhood health inequalities are tackled and addressed effectively an d efficiently.
The recommendations are aimed at Scottish Government and other public sector bodies that commission, and are informed, by research and evidence. The recommendations are also applicable to large research funding bodies and academic institutions.
- Enhanced collaboration and funding between researchers, policy makers and practitioners.
More opportunities are required to enhance collaboration and networking opportunities between research bodies, policymakers, service providers, and frontline workers to ensure approaches to tackle childhood health inequalities are evidence-based and practically applicable. More joint funding calls, that specifically require this type of collaboration, could also support this enhancement. - Improved routine data collection and evaluation that better reflects diverse experiences of children experiencing health inequalities.
Routine data collection and evaluation approaches should better reflect the experiences of children and families that are most disadvantaged so we know what works and with whom. It should reflect the diverse experiences of children and families, including qualitative data and children’s perspectives. - Support for health data access, especially for early-career researchers.
There needs to be improved access to health data, particularly for early-career researchers, to foster more comprehensive and accessible research findings. More co-ordination could also exist between academic institutions, Government and public bodies so
the data gaps that exist in policy and practice are increasingly met by academic institutions and funded PhDs. - Address gaps in specific issues and groups.
There are significant gaps in knowledge around what works to tackle childhood health inequalities. The Scottish Government, research institutions and large research funding bodies should prioritise research on key strategic issues outlined within this paper by those working within the field. This includes areas such as mental health, digital bullying, and in-work poverty to inform targeted interventions.
Download the report
Download the report – Report on national workshop into childhood health inequalities (644KB, PDF)
