Establishing a behavioural insights function: decision support tool

Overview

This tool provides overarching considerations and guiding questions to assist organizations with the decision-making involved in designing, establishing, or enhancing their behavioural insights function. This function is where expertise in the use of behavioural science frameworks, evidence and methodologies is applied to contribute to the improvement of policies, programmes, services or communications. Countries are encouraged to establish behavioural science functions or units in resolution WHA76.7 for Behavioural Sciences for Better Health, which was adopted by all Member States at the World Health Assembly in May 2023. This tool is structured for use by the person or team that is responsible for scoping out the behavioural insights function and planning for its activities.

The WHO Behavioural Insights Unit organized a webinar to promote this publication. The webinar introduces the ‘Decision-Support Tool’, describes different models of behavioural science units that support public health, and shares lessons learned in setting up national behavioural science units in two countries.

Click here to watch recorded webinar (recorded on 19 February 2025).