The Centre for Health and Development (CHAD) was established as an innovative partnership between Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Staffordshire County Council and Staffordshire University, and was subsequently adopted as a mainstream University research centre. Our purpose is to undertake translational, applied research to improve the health and wellbeing of our local population and contribute to the reduction of social and health inequalities. A fundamental part of this is working in partnership, bringing together local government, academia and local communities, an approach described by Professor Sir Michael Marmot as being ‘exactly what is needed’ at the formal launch of CHAD.

CHAD was established at a time of diminishing public sector resources and evidence of increasing health inequalities. The two Local Authorities recognised the need to be able to evidence effectiveness of public health interventions locally, whilst developing the evidence base of not only what works, but how interventions work to improve health and wellbeing and reduce health inequalities.