The influence of government policy on health promotion alliances

It is generally recognised that there is a serious shortage of investigation into health promotion alliances, particularly in relation to the processes that obstruct or enhance joint working (Beattie, 1995). This chapter offers a contribution to overcoming this dearth of empirical research by discussing some of the results of a national study. The study was grounded in the proposition that conflicting sectoral policies are a major inhibitor and constraint to the establishment and maintenance of interagency collaborations for healthgain. Two key sectors were examined: local education authority health education advisors and health promotion specialists. What follows, therefore, is an assessment of the influence of central government policy on attempts by professionals working in these two sectors to engage in effective alliance partnerships. It is anticipated that the conclusions and recommendations emerging from the study will also be of relevance to professionals working in other sectors.