Whether you’re planning a new service, reviewing clinical practices, or developing a policy or project, it’s important to understand the environmental, social and financial impacts of your activity. The new Sustainable Development Impact Assessment (SDIA) Toolkit helps you do just that.  

What is the SDIA Toolkit?  

The SDIA Toolkit is a practical decision-making tool developed by and for NHS boards.  

It helps us all to assess the sustainability of our decisions and activities so that, if required, changes can be made early in the process. 

You can use the SDIA Toolkit to identify the main impacts of your activities, proposals and decisions by assessing them against sustainable development criteria: 

• Environmental – how does the activity affect natural resources, emissions, biodiversity and climate resilience? 

• Social – what are the implications for health equity, community wellbeing and staff experience? 

• Financial – is the activity cost-effective and does it support long-term value? 

Who should use it? 

The SDIA Toolkit is for everyone in NHSScotland. It’s especially useful for: 

• updating existing policies and strategies, or service redesign, or reviewing clinical practices  

• assessing new policies, strategies, projects or developing new services  

• organising a big in-person event, undertaking an options appraisal process, or stakeholder consultation 

• supporting funding bids or business cases with sustainability evidence 

The toolkit has been designed to make it easy for anyone to use. It can be used by individuals or teams. No matter what your role – whether clinical or operational – the SDIA Toolkit supports you in making informed, transparent decisions. 

By embedding sustainability into everyday decision-making, we can collectively drive meaningful change. With over 180,000 staff across NHSScotland, our actions – big and small – can make a real difference. 

Why sustainable decision-making matters 

We spoke to Anushka Govias-Smith (Sustainability Manager – Environmental Management, NHSScotland Assure, NHS National Services Scotland) to find out more: “NHSScotland is committed to building a health service that is fit for the future – one that delivers high-quality care while protecting the environment, supporting communities, and using resources wisely. 

“All of our activities – whether clinical or operational – have an impact on the environment. What seems beneficial today could have harmful effects over time, so it’s important to fully understand the impacts of our activities. 

“Sustainable development means making conscious decisions that balance environmental, social and financial considerations. It’s about improving efficiency, reducing waste and creating a health system that supports the well-being of staff, patients and communities – now and in the future.” 

Lisa Blackett (Non-executive Director and Sustainability Champion, NHS National Services Scotland, and Chair of the NHSScotland Sustainability Champions Network) continues: “This is an excellent tool which allows teams to proactively embed sustainability considerations into proposals and plans.  

“The impact of this is significant – enhancing not just awareness but decision-making and action-taking. It will also make it easier for Board members to see the alignment of services and activities with our strategic objectives, including environmental sustainability. 

“Let’s continue to work together to build a sustainable NHSScotland.” 

Learn more and get started

Explore the SDIA guide and SDIA tool on the NHSScotland Sustainability Action SharePoint site to read more.  

Photo by V20sk