The public health white paper 'Healthy Lives, Healthy People' was published by the Department of Health towards the end of 2010 and set out the government's long-term vision for the future of public health in England. Directors of public health, now employed by local authorities and jointly appointed with the new 'wellness service', Public Health England, will lead on driving health improvement locally.

What is the impact of the recent health policy changes on known determinants of health, such as smoking, diet and other lifestyle behaviours? How are the wider reforms impacting on existing work to improve public health and address health inequalities? This conference will look at the work that is being done on the ground, taking a practical perspective on public health policy and examining how collaboration can achieve real results.