Sustainable Development SIG Workplan
Vision and Aims: To empower the public health community to take meaningful action on sustainable development and support action through resources, professional networks and advocacy.
The SIG further aims to:
- Promote and advocacy on sustainable development
- Deliver the Climate and Health Strategy of the FPH
Activity: Organise a programme of webinars on sustainable development and climate change.
Outcome: At least 3 webinars organised on a variety of topics with good attendance.
Target date: End of 2024
Named lead: All SIG members
Progress to date: Successful calendar of events hosted in 2023. Initial planning completed for webinars on several topics.
Outputs: 11th April webinar with Emergency services SIG and Webinars on sustainable development with other SIGs.
Activity: Develop and publish resources to support public health action on sustainable development.
Outcome: Maintain Climate and Health Resources page on the FPH website. Develop and publish resources targeted at consultants.
Target date: Throughout 2024
Named lead: SIG Co-chairs
Progress to date: Resources published and updated in 2023. Working closely with UKHSA colleagues to ensure coordination and no duplication on resource production.
Outputs: Feedback from SIG members and FPH members on use of resources. Number of visits to website.
Activity: Develop the education and training offer for FPH members, including but not limited to public health registrars, consultants and practitioners.
Outcome:
- Registrars & practitioners: Registrars and practitioners easily able to access guidance on how to embed action on sustainable development and climate change into their training.
- Consultants: All consultants reflect on their role in sustainable development and climate change in CPD
- Communications: SIG members supported to be confident communicators and empower themselves and others to work on climate change.
Target date: End of 2024
Named lead:
- SIG Co-chairs
- Alyssa Ralph
- Ruth Ruggles
- Rob Couch
- Emily Loud
- Claire Ferraro
Progress to date: Registrar toolkit is already drafted, and will be shared with SIG members in February 2024. Plan for approach to CPD already developed. Active Hope discussion group starting Feb 2024
Outputs:
- Registrar toolkit published
- CPD events organised & resources available
- Development of initial suggestions to embed sustainability into practitioner curriculum
- Continuation of and feedback from communications learning set
- Evaluation of Active Hope discussion group shared
- Initial synthesis of recommendations for changes to public health registrar curriculum written up
Activity: Respond to government and NHS consultations where appropriate and capacity allows.
Outcome: FPH able to rapidly respond to government consultations related to sustainable development.
Target date: End of 2024
Named lead: All SIG members
Progress to date: Multiple consultations submitted in 2023 including support for all four nations on country specific consultations.
Outputs: Evidence of response to consultations
Activity: Promote SIG activity & engage with public health professionals, with a specific focus to recruit public health consultants to the SIG.
Outcome: FPH members and wider public health workforce aware of the work of the SIG and the offer. SIG members aware of SIG offer and how it supports their work.
Target date: Throughout 2024
Named lead: SIG Co-Chairs, All SIG members
Progress to date: Monthly newsletters in 2023, increased active consultant membership. Regularly updating at regional meetings.
Outputs: Regular newsletter, Participation in relevant conferences, Membership active and engaged.
Activity: Engage with and influence COP processes
Outcome: Active engagement in COP29 and mobilisation of the public health workforce around COP29.
Target date: Dec 2024
Named lead: SIG Co-Chairs
Progress to date: COP working group established 2022, COP debrief events held 2022 and 2023
Outputs: Active working group, Active contribution to COP29 processes, Organise a COP debrief event with partners
Activity: Proactive advocacy campaign on opposing fossil fuel expansion.
Outcome: Local authorities and public health workforce actively involved in work to oppose fossil fuel expansion.
Target date: Initial webinar March 2024
Named lead: SIG Co-Chairs, Isobel Braithwaite
Progress to date: Policy statement published in 2023
Outputs: Launch webinar March 2024, Active working group and pilot sites recruited.
Activity: Adaptation working group
Outcome: Public health professionals and wider partners understand why adaptation is essential to protect health.
Target date: Draft position piece by May 2024
Named lead: SIG Co-Chairs, Shannon Kennedy, Emer O’Connell
Progress to date: Working group established 2023, and recruited new members.
Outputs: Position paper published, Active working group, Next phase of work clearly outlined
Activity: Revisioning the Public Health System
Outcome: Increased collaboration between public health organisations working on the climate and ecological crisis.
Target date: Publish report by May 2024.
Named lead: SIG Co-Chairs
Progress to date: Event held in 2023, funding obtained for this event. Report drafted.
Outputs: Report of event published by May 2024, Follow up event if funding obtained
