Following the introduction of the Senedd’s Health Impact Assessment regulations last year, which mandates certain public bodies in Wales to carry out Health Impact Assessments (HIAs), Public Health Wales is set to play a key role in driving the implementation of the regulations.

The Health Impact Assessment (Wales) Regulations 2025 were passed on 19 November by the Senedd, and they mean that all public bodies in Wales have to put health, well-being and equity considerations at the heart of their strategic decision making. Wales is the first country in the world to take this step.

From April 2027, public bodies in Wales as diverse as local authorities, national parks, NHS organisations, and cultural and sporting organisations like the National Museum, National Library and Sport Wales, will need to carry out a HIA when they make strategic decisions.

The Wales Health Impact Assessment Support Unit (WHIASU), Public Health Wales will play a key role in driving the implementation of the Regulations, by providing guidance, advice and support to public bodies moving forward.