This pathway covers community engagement to improve people's health. This involves 4 important, interlocking themes: prerequisites for success (including policy development); infrastructure (to support practice on the ground); approaches (to support and increase levels of community engagement); and evaluation.

The recommendations should be implemented together. They are for those who have a direct or indirect role in – and responsibility for – community engagement. This includes those working in the NHS, local authorities and the community, voluntary and private sectors. It may also be of interest to members of the public.

For the purposes of this pathway, 'community engagement' covers community engagement and community development activities. 

The main beneficiaries of the recommendations will also play a key role in implementing them. They are:
–Communities and groups with distinct health needs.
–Communities that experience difficulties accessing health services or have health problems caused by their social circumstances.
–People living in disadvantaged areas including those living in social housing.