NCC for Determinants of Health (NCCDH) - Developing public health leadership for health equity action

Presented collaboratively by the National Collaborating Centre for Determinants of Health (NCCDH) and the National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools (NCCMT)

Attention to health equity within the public health sector has increased in recent years due to a growing evidence base, greater commitment to action by leadership, the incorporation of health equity into strategic plans and priorities, the creation of positions dedicated to health equity, and the development of both guidance documents and organizational capacity.

Public health leadership to advance health equity occurs at community, organizational and societal levels. Leadership is influenced by values and is grounded in relationships, helping to shape the internal and external environments in which public health functions. However, public health practitioners in formal and informal leadership positions do not always receive adequate leadership training, regardless of their educational background.

This webinar will consider strategies to develop and support public health leadership to advance health equity. The discussion will revolve around the results of a 2016 scoping review of literature on public health leadership for action on health equity (Betker, 2016). Drawing on Betker’s work, the event will highlight key attributes of leadership, such as being oriented to values of social justice and solidarity, and will also address how to align leadership attributes with public health roles for health equity.