Wales has become the first country in the world to require public bodies to carry out Health Impact Assessments when making strategic decisions, following the introduction of the Health Impact Assessment (Wales) Regulations 2025.
Passed by the Senedd on 19 November 2025, the regulations mandate that health, well-being and equity considerations are placed at the heart of decision-making across Wales.
From April 2027, organisations including local authorities, NHS bodies, national parks, and cultural and sporting institutions such as the National Museum, National Library and Sport Wales will be legally required to conduct HIAs for major strategic decisions.
Public Health Wales, through its Wales Health Impact Assessment Support Unit (WHIASU), will play a pivotal role in implementing the regulations by providing guidance, advice and practical support to public bodies.
Public Health Consultant and Director of Public Health Wales’ Health Impact Assessment Programme, Professor Liz Green, commented:
“WHIASU has worked closely with the Welsh Government throughout the development of the Regulations, offering expert evidence, practical insight and draft guidance to shape a workable and proportionate approach.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.”
This landmark move aims to ensure that policies and projects across Wales actively promote health equity and improve population well-being, setting a global precedent for integrated health governance.
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