Through our policy work, VHS seek to ensure that the experiences, knowledge, and interests of our members and stakeholders are reflected in national decision-making about health.
We regularly consult with our members to ensure that our policy voice and priorities are reflective of their views and interests. We also ensure that our members and stakeholders are informed about relevant policy developments through accessible communications and events, and that they are aware of opportunities to influence decision-makers individually and collectively.
If you are interested in our policy work and would like to be kept updated, sign up for our monthly Policy News email bulletin.
Manifesto for Health Creation
Our 2026 manifesto was developed following extensive consultation with our members and will inform our policy priorities well beyond next year’s Scottish Parliament election. It explores the current health context in Scotland and identifies four high-level asks for addressing widening health inequalities. These asks are:
- Create a prevention-centred health system
- Prioritise health equity and the right to health
- Establish third sector parity
- Improve health measures and datasets
Beneath each of these high-level asks are more detailed sub-asks to address a range of issues and promote health creation. These include centring health equity as a core cross-cutting government priority, targeted interventions to address unpaid carer health inequalities, and establishing a formal partnership between the government, the NHS, local authorities, and the third sector.
Download the Manifesto for Health Creation
We would encourage our members and stakeholders to actively support our manifesto and help us to build a movement for health creation! Share it with your networks and reinforce our manifesto asks in your own influence work. We’d also welcome opportunities for collective influence too.
To find out more about the manifesto, or to discuss the manifesto asks in more detail, please contact our Policy and Public Affairs Lead, Sarah Latto.
Health Policy Officers Network
The Health Policy Officers Network (HPON) is a peer group of health policy professionals. The network is for policy officers, leads and managers of third sector organisations to discuss health related policy issues and consultations, share intelligence, and build their policy skills and confidence. The focus is peer support and collaboration. It is not a policy influencing or lobbying group, but at times members will work together to strengthen their collective influence. New members are always welcome.
To join the HPON or find out more, email Sarah Latto.
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