Bridging boundaries: Health promotion leadership in the context of Health-In-All-Policies

“Partnership building,” “enabling change” and “mediating through partnerships” are recognised as core health promotion competencies, both nationally and globally. Evidence suggests these are also key competencies for advancing Health-in-All-Policies (HiAP) approaches, and for advancing health equity and social determinants of health agendas in Australia. We argue that understanding the intersection between partnership competencies and leadership competencies is critical for promoting effective HiAP responses. Indeed, a recent scoping review indicated the national and local leadership are fundamental considerations, and that well-managed intersectoral partnerships and collaboration are critical to HiAP success. Yet, surprisingly, little is written about health promotion leadership competencies and qualities in Australia. This editorial aims to unpack what leadership can look like within a HiAP context, and related leadership strategies. This includes the ability to traverse multiple disciplines and sectors. It also requires the ability to successfully navigate within and between research, policy and practice domains. It requires the tactful art of bridging boundaries...