The Wales Health Impact Assessment Support Unit (WHIASU) has marked 20 years of helping to “shape a healthier, more equitable Wales”.
The unit, which provides guidance, training, resources and information in relation to the practice of health impact assessment, celebrated the milestone anniversary on November 14 by hosting a webinar in partnership with Public Health Network Cymru.
During the session, which attracted participants from various sectors, attendees reflected on WHIASU’s development over the last 20 years, explored the practical application of health impact assessment, and discussed its future – especially with the upcoming introduction of health impact assessment regulations by the Welsh Government.
During the event, two new resources were introduced:
- ‘Putting the Spotlight on Health, Well-being and Equity Using Health Impact Assessment: Case Studies from Public Bodies in Wales’ features multiple examples of HIAs conducted in Wales across diverse sectors and levels of depth,
- The WHIASU@20 infographic highlights the unit’s accomplishments as it celebrates its 20th anniversary.
The panel also considered where health impact assessment might be in another 20 years, given the significant changes the field has undergone over the past two decades.
Liz Green, Programme Director for HIA, WHIASU, said: “Twenty years in, WHIASU stands as a testament to the power of Health Impact Assessments to shape a healthier, more equitable Wales.
“As we look to the future, our commitment to evidence-driven change remains strong—building on past lessons and advancing practices that put health, well-being and equity at the heart of public policy, especially with the introduction of the Health Impact Assessment regulations by Welsh Government in 2025.”
Visit the WHIASU team page for more information.