Welcome to the National Healthy Universities Toolkit

This toolkit comprises a collection of resources created by the Developing Leadership and Governance for Healthy Universities Project and is designed to support Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) that wish to adopt and/or embed a whole system Healthy University approach.

The toolkit includes a set of Guidance Packages designed to provide guidance to HEIs at all stages in developing and implementing Healthy University initiatives. Each explores a different theme – for example ‘Leading and Implementing a Whole University Approach’ – using  key headings to frame the discussion: overview; key concepts and terms; wider context and evidence base; university context; planning and implementation; consultation and partnerships; evaluation and impact. They also include references, links and a resource page – incorporating features such as ‘talking head’ video clips and template powerpoint presentations that can be tailored to your individual requirements (see also Getting Started).

The toolkit includes institutional Case Studies which offer ‘real life’ examples of Healthy University related initiatives which have been implemented in institutions across the country. These can be accessed using a searchable database, categorised according to topic, method and population group. The case studies follow a consistent format and, whilst all are ‘freestanding’, some also provide a supportive/illustrative role for particular guidance packages, with automatic links.
If have a case study that you would like to contribute to the toolkit please complete this short template and we will be in touch.

The Toolkit also includes the Healthy Universities Self Review Tool, which provides a mechanism for HEIs to review and reflect on their progress in embedding a whole system approach to health and wellbeing into their core business and culture. The Self Review Tool is an online questionnaire structured under five headings: Leadership and Governance; Service Provision; Facilities and Environment; Communication, Information and Marketing; and Academic, Personal, Social and Professional Development. Once a university has completed questionnaire, a graphic ‘traffic light’ representation (red, amber, green) of progress will be generated, highlighting areas where the university is achieving and those areas where additional input is needed.

Guidance Packages Case Studies Self Review Tool