Hertfordshire Healthy and Safe Places Framework, nominated by Hertfordshire County Council, was commended in the Wellbeing and Education sub-category for pioneering the first countywide model in the UK to systematically embed health within spatial planning.

Developed as a robust, evidence-based framework, it places health, wellbeing and safety at the heart of decision making, directly addressing Hertfordshire’s inequalities and supporting more consistent, higher-quality development across all 11 planning authorities. By combining universal principles with place-specific interventions, including the identification of Health Action Areas, the Framework demonstrates an innovative, intelligence-led approach to tackling complex determinants of health.

Early delivery through the Welwyn Hatfield pilot shows the model is both practical and impactful, while strong alignment with national policy and growing recognition highlight its wider significance. Judges praised its clarity, collaboration and long-term potential, recognising it as a transformative and replicable approach to creating healthier, safer communities.