Rethinking Health Inequalities: Convening Scotland’s Changemakers for Health Equity
Published: 30 July 2025
In June, the Centre for Public Policy, in partnership with the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences and Glasgow Changing Futures, hosted a conference on ‘Rethinking Health Inequalities.' You can read about the sessions and watch our event video here.
On June 2nd, the Centre for Public Policy, in partnership with the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences and Glasgow Changing Futures, hosted a conference on ‘Rethinking Health Inequalities.’ The event brought together over 100 changemakers from across academia, government, the NHS, and the voluntary sector to explore evidence-based solutions to Scotland’s persistent health inequalities.
A Platform for Collaboration and Policy Innovation
Timed a year ahead of the next Holyrood election, the conference was designed to spark cross-sector dialogue and shape future policy. The day opened with remarks from Professor Iain McInnes CBE, followed by an introduction to the Centre for Public Policy by Professor Kezia Dugdale, who emphasised the Centre’s role as a bridge between research and real-world impact.
Watch: Rethinking Health Inequalities: Convening Scotland’s Changemakers for Health Equity
Key Themes and Sessions
The morning featured a keynote from Professor Petra Meier, who outlined Glasgow Changing Future’s vision for Healthy Equitable Futures, followed by Paul Johnston, Chief Executive of Public Health Scotland, who addressed the urgent need to reverse declining life expectancy and tackle the root causes of inequality.
Three interactive workshops explored:
- Lived experience in policymaking, led by Professor Sara Macdonald and partners from the Primary Care Directorate and Chance to Change.
- Engaging with the Scottish Parliament, hosted by Professor Kezia Dugdale.
- The Implementation Gap, facilitated by Professor Laurence Moore and Sally Good.
Primary Care and Communities: Creating Health
A standout session was the panel on Primary Care and Communities, chaired by Dr David Blane, which spotlighted real community-led approaches to health creation. We heard about the challenges facing communities, issues such as proportionate universalism and the inverse care law. There was a real recognition of the need to shift resources upstream to prevent ill health, especially in Scotland’s most deprived areas. Speakers included:
- Dr Carey Lunan, Chair of the Scottish Deep End Project, who advocated for trauma-informed, inclusive general practice.
- Leane McBride, facilitator of Chance 2 Change, who shared grassroots insights from Drumchapel.
- Tejesh Mistry, CEO of Voluntary Health Scotland, who highlighted the vital role of the third sector in bridging service gaps.
The Biology of Inequality
In a compelling keynote, Professor Jason Gill and Dr Tony Robertson unpacked the physiological impacts of inequality, linking social disadvantage to biological outcomes and reinforcing the need for systemic change.
Politicians Panel: Our Health Priorities
The day concluded with a high-profile political panel chaired by Professor Nicola McEwen, featuring:
- Patrick Harvie MSP (Scottish Greens)
- Carol Mochan MSP (Scottish Labour)
- Dr Sandesh Gulhane MSP (Scottish Conservatives)
- Susan Murray MP (Liberal Democrats)
- Emma Harper MSP (SNP)
The discussion tackled the structural drivers of inequality, the role of local government, and the balance between investing in social determinants and frontline services. Panellists reflected on the role of effective multi-level governance in delivering real change when it comes to persistent challenges such as health inequalities. They also discussed how we could invest more in prevention rather than crisis intervention, within the context of a challenging fiscal backdrop.
A Convening Space for Change
Throughout the day, the University demonstrated its convening power bringing together diverse voices to share challenges and solutions. The event underscored the importance of collaboration, lived experience, and political will in tackling Scotland’s most pressing health challenges.
As Professor Sara Macdonald closed the event, she reminded delegates that the work of rethinking health inequalities is ongoing and that the University of Glasgow stands ready to support those driving change.
For more information about upcoming events at the Centre for Public Policy check out our events page.
First published: 30 July 2025
