Introduction to Health Impact Assessment

Last Updated
5 June 2026
Source
Public Health Scotland (PHS)

Resource Tags

Content Types:

Guidance

Relevant Driver(s):

3. Ensuring effective regulatory and policy environment 4. Using evidence and experience

Specific Action(s):

3A. Understand legal obligations 4A. Collect and analyse equality data consistently

Implementation Levels:

Development
Foundation

Prior Knowledge Required:

Basic

Organisation Size:

Large Medium Small

Sector:

Education Environment Government Health and social care Housing Local authorities Third Sector Transport

Role:

Analysts Equality/Diversity/Human Rights Specialists Policy Officers/Makers

PSED Needs:

Advance equality of opportunity Eliminate discrimination

Resource content

A short introductory guide from Public Health Scotland explaining what Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is, why it is useful, and how the six-step process works. Suitable for people who are new to HIA or attending an HIA stakeholder workshop for the first time. Covers core principles, benefits, and links to further support.

To get the most from this resource

Best used as pre-reading before attending an HIA workshop or beginning an impact assessment process. Read alongside the Guide to Health Impact Assessment resource (also from Public Health Scotland) for more detailed methodology. Contact the Health Impact Assessment Support Unit (phs.healthimpactassessment@phs.scot) for further guidance.

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