Fully exercising its functions from 1 April 2020 as Scotland's leading national agency for improving and protecting the health and well-being of all of Scotland's people, it is jointly sponsored by COSLA and the Scottish Government, and collaborates with third sector organisations.

[5] Its role is to increase healthy life expectancy and reduce premature mortality.

Areas of focus are COVID-19, mental health and well-being, community and place, and poverty and children.

[7] Paul Johnston, formerly a Director General within the Scottish Government, took over the role in 2023.

[11] PHS also took over the functions of NHS Scotland's Information Services Division, providing statistics and data analysis.