Published: 9 January 2026
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.
Professor Liz Green, Public Health Consultant and Director of the Health Impact Assessment Programme for Public Health Wales, said: “WHIASU has worked closely with Welsh Government throughout the development of the Regulations, offering expert evidence, practical insight and draft guidance to shape a workable and proportionate approach.
“As we move towards the implementation date of April 2027, WHIASU will continue this partnership by co-producing national guidance, building capacity across the public sector, and supporting organisations to embed HIA effectively.
“We will be issuing the first set of material next month, which will be designed to support organisations in implementing the HIA Regulations.”
More information can be found below.