System thinking

The Institute for Health Equity (IHE) led by Sir Michael Marmot, promotes health equity globally through research, policy, and practice. Central to this approach is the Marmot Places programme, which applies the eight principles from the Marmot Reviews to reduce health inequalities. By focusing on the building blocks of health – such as education, employment, housing, and social support – Marmot Places work to improve health outcomes for communities, particularly the most disadvantaged. These building blocks are recognised as essential determinants of health, and the programme ensures they are prioritised within urban planning, public health, and local governance to create equitable environments.​

In Cheshire and Merseyside, the All Together Fairer programme addresses health equity across the region through a similar lens, emphasising the building blocks of health. The report outlines recommendations for improving access to quality education, stable employment, affordable housing, and robust social support systems. These areas are critical to addressing health inequalities, and the programme calls for coordinated action from various stakeholders to create an integrated system that supports the overall well-being of the population. The recommendations, aligned with Marmot’s eight principles, focus on system-wide improvements that promote equitable access to the building blocks that underpin good health.