NICON webinar: This is our health – Can a behavioural science approach improve how we deliver services?

Earlier this month, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt launched a public conversation, ‘This is our health’, about how we can work together to help people in Northern Ireland live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. The programme aims to agree a shared set of principles between people in NI and the Health and Social Care (HSC) system through developing a ‘deal’ - identifying what the system will protect and what people can do to support their own health and wellbeing.

In this webinar, we will explore the advantages of establishing a more collaborative, partnership-based relationship with the public in delivering health and social care. As well as looking at the This is our health initiative, we will also reflect on the findings of the recent 'People to Partners' report, which was published in October 2025. Additionally, we will consider how these approaches align with the Health and Social Care Reset Plan for NI.

To open the conversation, Mike Farrar, Permanent Secretary, DoH, will discuss the commitment within the Reset Plan to develop a ‘citizen centred approach’ to public health. Meadhbha Monaghan, Chief Executive, Patient & Client Council (PCC), will set out the key recommendations from the People to Partners report. We will explore the details of the This is our health programme with the project lead, behavioural scientist Denise Hampson, and Linda Craig, Regional Lead for Experience and Involvement, Public Health Agency (PHA).

Following these presentations, we will consider opportunities to promote this way of working within the HSC system. There will be ample time for questions and discussion to encourage shared learning and wider participation as this important public conversation begins.

This webinar is the sixth event in our ‘Reset’ discussion series, which will run throughout 2026. The series will bring together HSC leaders, partners, and expert speakers to consider the key elements of the Reset Plan for health and social care in NI.