The aim of this study was to undertake an empirical analysis of the policy process in the NHS, in order to examine how policy towards health inequalities is formulated and how that policy is translated vertically into local policy. How and why local policies differ within health authorities and other agencies was also considered, and how these initiatives are evaluated at local level. The first stage of the research project was a review of legislation and national policy documents. The second stage was a short questionnaire sent to over 2000 named trusts and local authorities in England, Wales and Scotland. The third stage used case studies and interviews to examine how the policy process worked. Together, the three stages aimed to provide a balance between qualitative and quantitative data sources in assessing the interaction between stakeholders in formulating and implementing equity policies. Users should note that only the interview transcripts from the third stage of the research are currently held at the UK Data Archive - the questionnaire data are not included in the study Local and national policies and initiatives to overcome health inequalities, healthcare provision and local health organisation structures and hierarchies.