Bremner & Impact on Urban Health
Overview
Impact on Urban Health commissioned us to conduct an extensive research study on the early years nutrition landscape, with a focus on the London Borough of Southwark. The study explored the barriers to good nutrition for children aged 0-5, revealing key stakeholder perspectives across policy and practice. The project served as a platform for convening a broad coalition of actors, fostering alignment across traditionally siloed parts of the system. We identified shared values and guiding principles within the sector, highlighted policy gaps, and uncovered significant opportunities for influence.
Our Approach
We implemented a three-phase methodology to ensure a comprehensive analysis:
Phase I: research, stakeholder engagement, and mapping
- Development of an early years nutrition framework
- Qualitative interviews with key stakeholders from across the fragmented sector
- Extensive desk research and literature reviews over a 10-month period
Phase II: validation and collaboration
- Stakeholder roundtables to review key findings and build consensus around shared priorities
- Identification of two critical success factors for systemic change: better advocacy and better data
Phase III: mapping tools and sector coalescence
- Development of the Southwark Early Years Nutrition Landscape Map (seen above)
- Creation of a pathway map to align the sector around key barriers and opportunities, building consensus and shared momentum.
Key Outcomes
The early years nutrition mapping project provided valuable insights into the structural and systemic challenges within nutrition policy, highlighting key areas for improvement. The research led to clear, actionable recommendations to support advocacy efforts and drive evidence-based policy changes. As part of this work, new mapping tools were developed to help guide decision-making at both local and national levels. The project fostered stronger collaboration between stakeholders, laying the groundwork for a stronger sense of cross-sector coalition. With stakeholders from across the voluntary, public, private, and academic sectors, the project created a more coordinated approach to addressing nutrition challenges in early childhood.
Testimonials
Myles and his team did a great job making sense of a complex and challenging brief. They were able to draw on their existing networks and connections, engaging a range of stakeholders across all sectors (voluntary, public, private, and academic). Special shout out to Dayna and Abi – the perfect team, knowledgeable and passionate – their in-depth research and thoughtful recommendations have informed the next stages of our work on Early Years Nutrition
Carole Coulon, Portfolio Manager, Impact on Urban Health
This project was a real opportunity to bring together the voices of those working across early years nutrition – whether in policy, practice, or research – and to identify the shared challenges and opportunities they face. It’s clear there’s a strong appetite for change, but progress will rely on better data and a more unified sector voice. We’re proud that our work with Impact on Urban Health has helped lay the foundations for collective action, and we’re excited to see how these insights will shape the next phase of early years nutrition policy and practice
Dayna Brackley, Partner, Bremner & Co
Our Services
This project shows the power of combining research, stakeholder engagement, and policy analysis. Our approach provides actionable insights and strategic frameworks to build lasting collaboration and coalitions and drive meaningful change across a complex sector. If you’re looking to navigate policy landscapes and create lasting impact, we can help.
Interested in learning more about how we can support your work in early years nutrition and beyond? Get in touch today.
