England: physical activity policy snapshot

This snapshot presents strengths and weaknesses of national physical activity policy actions in England. Compare England with other European countries in our MOVING policy index.

England implements physical activity policy actions in all 6 areas of the MOVING framework. The policy area which received a good assessment refers to increasing physical activity through public communication which builds behaviour change skills (N).

Weak policy design was identified throughout the entire framework but specifically physical activity for people of all ages and abilities (M), physical activity in the workplace (O), and policies to promote active transport (I), active design guidelines for open/green spaces (V) and physical activity training in healthcare settings (G) where a fair assessment was achieved.

Greater action should be taken to improve the assessment in all areas of the MOVING framework. In particular on structures and surroundings which promote physical activity, such as design guidelines and access to quality green space (V), in addition to policies which promote public transport (I).

Download a full analysis and breakdown of England’s results

This country snapshot presents detailed results of the MOVING policy index for England. Full index results are outlined in the MOVING policy brief (pdf), which compares England with other European countries and explains the methods for producing this snapshot and the index.

The index assesses if national government policy actions exist across all areas of the MOVING framework and, if so, how well designed they are. We produced this assessment by benchmarking policies from England, collected through a comprehensive scan. You can view all benchmarked policies in our MOVING database.

Overview of physical activity policy status in England

England MOVING overview

Read more about the MOVING policy index
Download the MOVING policy brief (pdf)
Download all 30 country snapshots as a bundle (zip)
See also our pages on Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales

Summary of policies reviewed

The policies assessed to produce this country snapshot are listed here. For more details, consult our MOVING policy database.

Physical activity for children and young people	M	Make opportunities and initiatives that promote physical activity in schools, the community and sport and recreation
Movement for All programme	M	Make opportunities and initiatives that promote physical activity in schools, the community and sport and recreation
Get Set to Go and Sport Sector Support	M	Make opportunities and initiatives that promote physical activity in schools, the community and sport and recreation
Keep Active, Keep Well	M	Make opportunities and initiatives that promote physical activity in schools, the community and sport and recreation
Bikeability	M	Make opportunities and initiatives that promote physical activity in schools, the community and sport and recreation
Get Healthy Get Active (GHGA)	M	Make opportunities and initiatives that promote physical activity in schools, the community and sport and recreation
Big Bike Revival	M	Make opportunities and initiatives that promote physical activity in schools, the community and sport and recreation
Couch to 5K	M	Make opportunities and initiatives that promote physical activity in schools, the community and sport and recreation
The Access Fund	M	Make opportunities and initiatives that promote physical activity in schools, the community and sport and recreation
Physical activity in the workplace	O	Offer physical activity opportunities in the workplace and training in physical activity promotion across multiple professions
Physical activity and the environment	V	Visualise and enact structures and surroundings which promote physical activity
Highways maintenance block	V	Visualise and enact structures and surroundings which promote physical activity
Manual for Streets	V	Visualise and enact structures and surroundings which promote physical activity
Cycle infrastructure design (LTN 2/08)	V	Visualise and enact structures and surroundings which promote physical activity
Asset Management Guidance for Footways and Cycle Routes	V	Visualise and enact structures and surroundings which promote physical activity
National Cycle Network	V	Visualise and enact structures and surroundings which promote physical activity
Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016	V	Visualise and enact structures and surroundings which promote physical activity
Pothole Action Fund	I	Implement transport infrastructure and opportunities that support active societies
Integrated Transport Block	I	Implement transport infrastructure and opportunities that support active societies
Fill that hole App	I	Implement transport infrastructure and opportunities that support active societies
Local Growth Fund	I	Implement transport infrastructure and opportunities that support active societies
Modeshift STARS National School Travel Awards	I	Implement transport infrastructure and opportunities that support active societies
Walk to School Outreach programme	I	Implement transport infrastructure and opportunities that support active societies
Cycle to Work	I	Implement transport infrastructure and opportunities that support active societies
Change4Life	N	Normalise and increase physical activity through public communication that motivates and builds behaviour change skills
This Girl Can	N	Normalise and increase physical activity through public communication that motivates and builds behaviour change skills
Return To Play campaign – UK	N	Normalise and increase physical activity through public communication that motivates and builds behaviour change skills
We are Undefeatable Campaign	N	Normalise and increase physical activity through public communication that motivates and builds behaviour change skills
Stay In, Work Out	N	Normalise and increase physical activity through public communication that motivates and builds behaviour change skills
#ReturnToPlay campaign	N	Normalise and increase physical activity through public communication that motivates and builds behaviour change skills
Choose To Leave Better website	N	Normalise and increase physical activity through public communication that motivates and builds behaviour change skills
UK physical activity guidelines	N	Normalise and increase physical activity through public communication that motivates and builds behaviour change skills
Change4Life	N	Normalise and increase physical activity through public communication that motivates and builds behaviour change skills
Physical activity: brief advice for adults in primary care	G	Give physical activity training, assessment and counselling in healthcare settings
Behaviour change: general approaches	G	Give physical activity training, assessment and counselling in healthcare settings
Physical activity: exercise referral schemes	G	Give physical activity training, assessment and counselling in healthcare settings
Behaviour change: individual approaches	G	Give physical activity training, assessment and counselling in healthcare settings
RCGP Physical Activity and Lifestyle Toolkit	G	Give physical activity training, assessment and counselling in healthcare settings
Active Practice Charter	G	Give physical activity training, assessment and counselling in healthcare settings

NOURISHING country snapshots

We also have snapshots of nutrition policies in 30 European countries. Visit the England page or see all the country snapshots.

Get in touch

The policy landscape in any country evolves over time. These findings reflect our knowledge as of May 2023. To provide feedback or suggest updates, please get in touch.

Fill in our feedback form or email the team policy@wcrf.org

England: physical activity policy snapshot

Overview of physical activity policy status in England

Summary of policies reviewed

NOURISHING country snapshots

Get in touch

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