Farewell blog from Lorraine Tulloch

It was a privilege to be the first leader of an organisation that has helped shape and influence policy and practice across Scotland and the UK. We started with a blank sheet of paper and together with great support from OAS Steering Group we set about identifying priorities for action, developing and building our programme. 

Over those years I have worked with wonderful staff who have been committed, enthusiastic and brimming with ideas for publications and activities. Together we have managed to deliver many of these. 

Some highlights of my time in OAS include

• Seeing our priorities for action become commitments in the Scottish Government Diet and Healthy Weight Delivery Plan
• Being in the gallery of Scottish Parliament when the then Public Health Minister Aileen Campbell announced there would be legislation to restrict promotion of foods high in fat, sugar and salt and thanking OAS and CRUK for our support in making it happen
• Seeing our work in print in newspapers and leading TV and radio news bulletins
• Leading the work on Whole System Approaches to Diet and Healthy Weight across early adopters in Scotland and being part of that programme from start to finish

I am proud of every piece of work we have issued. From our first scorecard of Scottish Government performance on obesity actions to the final report issued this week which provides a valuable addition to the evidence on children’s weight. Engaging, valuable and impactful is what I set out for and it is what I hope we have achieved in all our work. 

However, it is the connections and the partnerships that will stay with me and that will continue to influence my future work. Whether that is the value of alliances and networks or the importance of connecting with others who view the system through a different lens. Whether it is with politicians, professionals, or the public the value of talking, sharing information and working together can achieve so much.

I know that the reach and impact of our work has grown over the years and I thank all the people we have worked with for contributing to that success.

Looking forward there is still much to be done to deliver the change we need to see in Scotland’s food environment and to create the type of places where children can grow up with easy access to healthy, fresh food.

I will continue to support that action and I wish OAS well in all its future endeavours. 

Blog written by Lorraine Tulloch, former Programme Lead of Obesity Action Scotland