PHE is an executive agency of the Department of Health that began operating on 1 April 2013. Its formation came as a result of changes outlined in the Health and Social Care Act 2012. It is responsible for the implementation and leadership of public health at the national level. The implementation of PHE’s operational strategies will crucially depend on access to high quality, timely and relevant research results.
As part of its wider work on public health, the Academy hosted two meetings with PHE to examine the interface between research and practice in public health, and assist in the development of PHE’s strategy for research.
PHE published Doing, supporting and using public health research: PHE strategy in August 2015
The Academy hosted a small high level meeting on 27 June 2013 between research leaders and representatives from Public Health England (PHE) to examine the interface between research and practice in public health, and assist in the development of PHE’s strategy for research.
The aim of the meeting was to consider how PHE intends to undertake its own research and support external research, for example by providing access to data, and how it will identify requirements for research and evidence in relation to its areas of activity. Although the meeting focussed primarily on public health in England, attendees reflected on their experiences from Scotland and Wales.
A report summarising the key issues raised in this meeting is available for download.
The Academy and Public Health England (PHE) co-hosted a follow up to the June 2013 meeting on 27 November 2013. The aim of this meeting was to obtain further feedback and input on proposals in PHE’s draft research strategy, including identifying appropriate outcome measures. The meeting brought together researchers with representatives from Public Health England, the Department of Health, research funders and public health practice.
The slides presented by Public Health England and a report summarising the key issues raised in this meeting are both available for download.
The House of Commons Health Committee held its first accountability hearing with Public Health England (PHE) on November 19th.
A letter from the President was submitted to the Committee, which is available for download. The letter outlines the Academy's previously stated perspectives on the importance of research in the UK public health system and our assistance of PHE during 2013.
The Committee's report was published on 26th February 2014.
Research in the UK public health system
