Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care System (ICS), like many ICSs across England, wants to improve population health and tackle inequalities. Having articulated this aspiration and set up a Population Health and Health Equity Academy in May 2022, in partnership with The King’s Fund, it has taken the first steps to making this a reality by developing its primary care workforce. In this long read, we outline key aspects of the approach taken in Lancashire and South Cumbria, and share reflections that may help others undertaking a similar journey.