Laura Sharman 17 August 2017

Public health teams urged to join ‘design thinking’ programme

Forward thinking councils are being urged to apply for the Design in the Public Sector programme to help tackle public health challenges.

The programme, from the Design Council in partnership with the Local Government Association (LGA), will explore how 'design thinking' can help address issues such as poor diet, smoking and binge drinking.

The 16 week intensive programme will focus on prevention and how design principles and methods can tackle social challenges.

Cllr William Nunn, chairman of the LGA's Improvement and Innovation Board, said: 'We recognise that there is a growing movement of design thinking and innovation in public services and the LGA is keen to equip more councils with the necessary tools and knowledge.

'Public health is an area within local government being asked to deliver prevention strategies and improve the health of our communities and we believe an injection of design thinking will help them to achieve this.'

Sarah Weir, chief executive of the Design Council, added: 'Design is increasingly being recognised as a critical tool to help transform services in communities across the globe.

'With increasing pressures on public health services and public sector staff there is no better time for public health professionals to sign up to our Design in the Public Sector programme.'

To apply please visit www.designcouncil.org.uk/what-we-do/design-public-sector