The report  calls on health organisations to consider co-funding or direct funding of college preventative health activities and for colleges to be consulted in the development of the new neighbourhood health plans.  

It also suggests that ICBs should consider colleges in commissioning processes for preventative health and include them as partners to work with in achieving economic activity gains. 

David Hughes, chief executive of Association of Colleges, said: ‘As anchor institutions, colleges reach all parts of a community and therefore are well-placed to support the move from curing sickness to prevention. As this report highlights, there is excellent work going on in colleges across the country, however, so much more could be done if they were recognised as key partners in this mission, and given the time, resources and funding to meet the health agenda.  

‘We recognise that colleges, individually and as a sector, also have work to do here, and I urge the health sector, local and national government to proactively engage with us and our members so together we can address the underlying drivers of ill-health and tackle health inequalities, and ultimately become a healthier, happier nation.'

The report's recommendations include government considering clear incentives for colleges to deliver preventative health and including colleges in local public health strategies, on relevant boards and within funding opportunities.