National Performance Framework

What’s happening with the National Performance Framework in 2024?

January 18, 2024 by Lesley Thomson No Comments | Category continuous improvement, review

2024 will be a big year for the National Performance Framework (NPF). Last year was all about engagement and analysis – key parts of the statutory review of our National Outcomes. This year sees the review, and our work more generally, moving into a new phase. This post sets out what’s coming up.

Review of National Outcomes

We spent the last few months of 2023 developing proposals for changes to the National Outcomes and the wider NPF. These changes were informed by the evidence gathered throughout the engagement phase of the review.

We shared those initial proposals with colleagues in the Scottish Government and with our Expert Advisory Group. Having considered their feedback, we shared a revised set of proposals.

Next, in March, we’ll be seeking Scottish Government Cabinet approval for the proposed changes. The Scottish Parliament will then scrutinise the revised NPF and the process we’ve followed to get there.

We’ll publish the revised NPF in Autumn.

National Performance Framework implementation plan

The Finance and Public Administration Committee (FPAC) in the Scottish Parliament published a report on the NPF in 2022. In response to that report and FPAC’s recommendations, we committed to developing an implementation plan that will set out how we’ll ensure the NPF plays a central role in decision making. We’ll publish the plan alongside the revised NPF later this year.

We sought views on improving implementation as part of our engagement during the review. Those views and other relevant evidence will inform the plan. The consultation on a Wellbeing and Sustainable Development Bill will also provide relevant insight.

Consultation on Wellbeing and Sustainable Development Bill

The Scottish Government committed in recent Programmes for Government to explore the development of wellbeing and sustainable development legislation. We now want views on how this legislation could ensure that wellbeing and sustainable development are embedded into public sector decision making.

Specifically, we’re interested in views on providing legislative definitions of “sustainable development” and “wellbeing”. And on strengthening duties on public bodies to consider the National Outcomes. We also want suggestions for ensuring the necessary accountability and support for these duties is in place. This includes the potential role of an independent commissioner for future generations.

Tell us what you think via the online consultation or by email to wsdbill@gov.scot. You can also write to us (details are in the consultation document).

The consultation runs until 14 February.

New look National Performance Framework website

Last, but definitely not least, we’re launching a new look website on 6 February.

This is only the first step in a longer term plan to develop the functionality of the website, but we wanted to prioritise improved accessibility and usability. You’ll still see the same content as on the current site, it will just look a bit different. We’ve hopefully made it easier to find the key content (including resources and case studies) but you might have to update your bookmarks.

We’ll tell you more about the improvements we’ve made and what’s still to come in future posts. In the meantime, check out the new site in February and tell us what you think (there will be a feedback form on most pages of the new site).

Keep in touch

With so much going on, we’ll be posting regularly on the blog in 2024, so it’s worth subscribing for updates. And if you’ve not already, sign up to get our monthly newsletter.

Tags: implementation plan, improvement, review, website, Wellbeing and Sustainable Development Bill

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