Northern Ireland: physical activity policy snapshot

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

Northern Ireland implements policy actions in five out of the six policy areas of the MOVING framework. The highest assessment achieved was only moderate for existing policies promoting physical activity in schools, community, and recreation (M).

Weaknesses are identified throughout the framework but in particular on physical activity in schools and physical activity for all ages and abilities (M), physical activity guidelines (N) alongside public open space and green space (V), road safety actions (I). Gaps were identified in a lack of community initiatives promoting physical activity (M), public information campaigns (N) and physical activity training for healthcare professionals (G).

No action was taken to promote physical activity opportunities in the workplace (O); therefore this policy area should be prioritised. Much more needs to be done with structures and surroundings which promote physical activity (V) and on building a transport infrastructure which promote active societies (I). National government taking action in good policy design in areas V and I is key to improving overall environments that enable physical activity.

Download a full analysis and breakdown of Northern Ireland’s results

This country snapshot presents detailed results of the MOVING policy index for Northern Ireland. Full index results are outlined in the MOVING policy brief (pdf), which compares Northern Ireland 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 Northern Ireland, collected through a comprehensive scan. You can view all benchmarked policies in our MOVING database.

Overview of physical activity policy status in Northern Ireland

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 England, 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.

Policy name	Area	Benchmark name
Curriculum Sports Programme	M	Make opportunities and initiatives that promote physical activity in schools, the community and sport and recreation
The Statutory Northern Ireland (NI) curriculum	M	Make opportunities and initiatives that promote physical activity in schools, the community and sport and recreation
Extended Schools Programme	M	Make opportunities and initiatives that promote physical activity in schools, the community and sport and recreation
Physical activity for children and young people	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
Couch to 5K	M	Make opportunities and initiatives that promote physical activity in schools, the community and sport and recreation
Every Body Active 2020	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
Design & Management Guidelines	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
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
The Active School Travel Programme	I	Implement transport infrastructure and opportunities that support active societies
Cycle to Work Day	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
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
Moving Healthcare Professional Programme	G	Give physical activity training, assessment and counselling in healthcare settings
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
Physical activity infographics for GPs	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 Northern Ireland 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.

Send us feedback: policy@wcrf.org

Northern Ireland: physical activity policy snapshot

Overview of physical activity policy status in Northern Ireland

Summary of policies reviewed

NOURISHING country snapshots

Get in touch

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