Whole System Approach

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.

What was delivered

As part of this project, Move Consulting provided:

• A strategic review of cross-directorate strategies and action plans to identify alignment and opportunity
   
• A system-wide action planning framework, including a custom template and behavioural insight-informed process
   
• A suite of tools including an orientation video to support long-term stakeholder engagement and action tracking
   
• Facilitated stakeholder workshops to co-create shared goals, align actions, and build relationships across sectors

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.