This second session focuses on the practical application of the Viable System Model (VSM) in public health settings. Drawing on practical examples, the workshop explores how VSM can be applied to understand real-world systems, ranging from local partnerships and service networks to regional health programmes. Participants will learn how to map systems, identify coordination and communication gaps, and consider where intervention might best strengthen decision-making and adaptability.

Who will this workshop benefit?

• Researchers and public-health professionals interested in systems approaches to community-based projects.
• Practitioners working with multi-agency or cross-sector collaborations.
• Students exploring applied methods for understanding and improving complex systems.

Aim of the session

To demonstrate how the Viable System Model can be applied in practice to explore connections, decision-making processes, and opportunities for enhancing learning and adaptation across public health systems.

Objectives of the workshop

By the end of the session, participants will:

• Understand how to apply VSM to analyse a public-health organisation or partnership.
• Recognise how VSM supports reflection on where and how to intervene to strengthen decision-making.
• Identify the benefits and opportunities of using VSM to inform governance, collaboration, and resilience in public health.

What will we cover in this session?

• Recap of key ideas from Session 1.
• Step-by-step guide to mapping a system using the VSM structure.
• Using discovery questions to frame inquiry and identify leverage points.
• Illustrative examples of VSM application in public-sector and health contexts.
• Reflection on insights gained: how VSM supports learning and strategic alignment.

When?

25 February 2026, 10:30 - 12:30 (GMT)