Move Consulting were commissioned to develop a whole system healthy weight action plan for Buckinghamshire Council, tackling obesity through a collaborative approach from stakeholders across the county.
The Challenge
Buckinghamshire Council had begun work on a whole systems approach to tackling obesity, starting with research into existing strategies and system elements that could contribute to helping residents maintain a healthy weight. However, after initial virtual workshops, the Council recognised that engagement and ownership from wider stakeholders was limited.
To move forward with a coordinated and collaborative action plan, they brought in Move Consulting to support the development of a shared vision, stronger partnerships, and a clearer process for turning ideas into action.
Our Approach
Move Consulting worked in close collaboration with the Council to build a foundation for system-wide collaboration and action.
We began by reviewing existing strategies and plans across council directorates—including public health, transport, education, regeneration, and physical activity—to identify overlapping goals, gaps, and opportunities for synergy.
With this insight, we co-developed tools and resources to simplify planning structures and support shared ownership. This included a user-friendly action plan template, a guided process to support collaborative goal-setting, and an orientation video to ensure stakeholders could confidently engage with the tools provided.
Finally, we facilitated a series of in-person workshops designed to energise the system, spark connections, and enable stakeholders to co-design a comprehensive and coordinated action plan to address obesity in Buckinghamshire.
Sally Hone, Public Health Principal, Buckinghamshire Council
What was delivered
As part of this project, Move Consulting provided:
Project impact
The resulting action plan has become a central tool in Buckinghamshire Council’s efforts to address obesity in a more coordinated and strategic way. Stakeholders now have greater visibility of their roles and responsibilities, and relationships across departments have been strengthened.
The Council has already secured additional funding to support the delivery of actions within the plan, and cross-departmental meetings—such as between transport, public health, and local sport partnerships—are now taking place regularly to align efforts and explore joint working.
Sally Hone, Public Health Principal, Buckinghamshire Council
If you would like to get in touch with the team at Move Consulting to discuss this project, or how we might be able to support your organisation get in touch today.