Evaluation: Sussex Population Health Academy builds skills to improve health equity

An independent evaluation has highlighted the far-reaching benefits and positive impact of an initiative to improve health equity in the Sussex health and care system.

The Sussex Population Health Academy (SPHA) was created to build workforce skills and system capability through a Health Equity Fellowship, systemwide training, and an online resource hub.

The evaluation covers the Academy’s first two years of operation. It was delivered by the Centre for Population Health in collaboration with the University of East London.

Building confidence, skills, and system change

The SPHA aims to strengthen workforce capacity to tackle health inequalities by equipping people already in the health and care system to make meaningful, local changes. It was commissioned by NHS Sussex and delivered in partnership with Health Innovation Kent Surrey Sussex.

At the heart of the Academy’s success is the Health Equity Fellowship, which saw 22 Fellows complete projects aligned to local health priorities over the evaluation period. These projects have directly engaged over 1,500 people through surveys, training, co-design, and outreach.

Fellows reported an 86% increase in staff confidence in identifying and addressing inequity-related needs, with 100% of participants in key workshops stating they felt better equipped to tackle health inequalities in their roles.

The Academy’s system-wide training programme has also extended its reach, with 736 webinar attendances and engagement from more than 100 organisations, including NHS providers, local authorities, and voluntary sector partners. Feedback from participants highlighted increased awareness, a shared language for equity, and greater confidence to challenge inequity in everyday practice.

Tangible local impact

Fellows’ projects have delivered real-world improvements, including:

• Increased uptake of screening and preventative services among underserved communities.
• Introduction of culturally inclusive resources and digital tools to improve access.
• Service redesigns that address barriers to care, such as mobile MSK services and more equitable prescribing practices.
• Enhanced community engagement and trust-building with lesser-heard groups.

These initiatives have not only improved services for individuals and communities but have also strengthened organisational culture, workforce capability, and the system’s ability to respond to health inequalities.

A Strong foundation for the future

The evaluation concludes that the SPHA has established a robust foundation for ongoing population health and equity work in Sussex.

Health Innovation Kent Surrey Sussex Research and Innovation Lead, Lucie Hooper –

“The evaluation of the Sussex Population Health Academy has shown that meaningful progress on health equity is possible even in constrained circumstances. Its legacy is not just in activities delivered, but in the people, relationships, and applied learning that continue to influence practice across Sussex.”

NHS Sussex ICB Director of Population Health and Inequalities, Jo-anne Alner –

“This evaluation demonstrates the impact the Sussex Population Health Academy has already had in strengthening workforce capability and driving practical action on health equity. The Fellowship and training programme have created a growing community of people committed to change, and the Academy has built the relationships and shared understanding needed for long-term improvement. Our focus now is on maintaining that momentum and embedding the learning and approaches across Sussex.”

Centre for Population Health CEO, Professor Durka Dougall –

“At this time of both great challenge and opportunity facing the health and care system, it is imperative that systems seize the opportunity and take steps to develop their capabilities for population health and equity as NHS Sussex Population Health Academy has chosen to do. There is much learning to be had from their efforts, and much potential from their continuing to build on what they have begun over the last two years for improving the lives of local people.”

Read the report