This audit examined how physical activity actions were incorporated into policies in Wales to support the international goal of achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study reviewed national and subnational policies published between 2015 and 2020, assessing their alignment with the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 (WBFGA).
Findings revealed that at the national level, only 16 documents contained a direct physical activity action, published by just 4 of the 13 public bodies bound by the WBFGA. The clarity, specificity, and accountability of these actions varied significantly. At the subnational level, 15 out of 19 Public Service Board well-being policies included a direct physical activity action.
This audit highlighted inconsistencies in policy content and implementation across different levels of governance. It demonstrated how policies could be better connected to drive population-level changes in physical activity, providing insights for other nations seeking to integrate physical activity into sustainable development strategies.
