In his inaugural professorial lecture, Professor James Woodall explores the definition of health promotion and its failings. He then proposes a broader focus on social and environmental factors and demonstrates its potential through research in prisons.

Join Professor James Woodall as he defines what health promotion is and what it is not. He will discuss the historical and current shortcomings and examine its ambiguity in practice and theory. He will address the unintended consequences of health promotion that often increases health challenges.

In the second part of the lecture, he will present a reconfigured view of health promotion. This ‘ironically’ has little to do with health, but instead focuses on broader social and environmental determinants.

Finally, James will explore ‘unlocking’ health promotion potential through the example of prisons. James will share insights from his two decades of health promotion research in this setting that have contributed to those whose health is often the poorest.

This lecture is part of Leeds Beckett University's inaugural professional lecture series.