Wales: physical activity policy snapshot

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

Wales implements policy actions in all 6 policy areas of the MOVING framework. The highest assessment received was moderate in only 2 policy areas, which were public communication to build behaviour change skills (N), and promoting physical activity in schools, community and recreation (M).

Weaknesses were seen throughout the entire framework, but specifically in physical activity for all ages and abilities (M), road safety actions (I) and physical activity guidelines (N). Gaps were also highlighted in physical activity within and outside of school hours (M), active design guidelines (V), policies that promote active transport (I) and physical activity training for healthcare professionals (G).

Much more needs to be done to strengthen all policy areas of the MOVING framework beyond a fair or a moderate assessment. Greater attention should be given to developing active environments (policy areas V and I) as these are important areas to act in to encourage physical activity.

Download a full analysis and breakdown of Wales’s results

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

Overview of physical activity policy status in Wales

Wales MOVING overview



NOURISHING country snapshots

We also have snapshots of nutrition policies in 30 European countries. Visit the Wales 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