Social policy, social innovation and health: tackling health inequalities in the United Kingdom

The circumstances of everyday life influence health outcomes. Consequently, it is necessary to think beyond health(care) policies for ways to impact positively on health. This is particularly important when seeking to address the health gaps that exist (and are widening) between the best- and worst-off in society. The need to act on social, economic and environmental determinants requires action in non-health sectors, and has led to calls for healthy public policy and health in all policies. Outside of government, there is also growing recognition of the potential of socially innovative organisations and initiatives, specifically those without an explicit health focus, to address determinants of health. This chapter introduces the social determinants of health as a framework to critically consider how social policy and SI can influence health and discuss key developments and challenges in these areas.