National Performance Framework: Ambitions into Action

Overview

In 2007 the Scottish Government introduced the National Performance Framework (NPF). It sets out the government’s ambitions for society and the values that guide its approach.

The framework says it aims to get everyone in Scotland to work together. This includes:

• national and local government
• businesses
• voluntary organisations
• people living in Scotland

To help achieve its purpose, the framework sets out National Outcomes - currently 11 in total.

The framework measures Scotland’s progress against the National Outcomes. To do this, it uses ‘National Indicators’.

These indicators give a measure of national wellbeing. They include a range of economic, social and environmental indicators.

Committee inquiry

The Finance and Public Administration Committee is looking at how the National Outcomes shape Scottish Government policy aims and spending decisions, and in turn, how this drives delivery at national and local level.

Inquiry remit

The remit for this inquiry is to look at the current structures, processes and cultures that are in place to help deliver the National Outcomes.

The committee will consider whether these work as well as they can or should be improved.

Considering how appropriate and effective the National Outcomes are is not part of this inquiry. These will be reviewed separately by the Scottish Government later in 2022-23 and this Committee will have a role in that review.

Call for Views

To inform this inquiry, the Committee is looking for written views from organisations with experiences of using the National Outcomes in the NPF to shape their policy making and decision taking as well as delivery at national and local level.

The committee is particularly keen to hear from:

• local government
• the public sector
• business organisations
• the voluntary sector.

Alongside seeking written views, the Committee will also take oral evidence and undertake fact-finding visits. The Committee’s views will be reported later this year and will also inform the Committee’s later work on the Scottish Government’s review of the National Outcomes later in 2022/23.

Key questions

The key questions that the committee would like written views on are:

1. To what extent do the National Outcomes shape how your organisation works?
2. How do you know which National Outcomes your organisation contributes towards? How do you demonstrate this to your organisation and more widely to others?
3. How empowered is your organisation to do something different (should it wish) to achieve the National Outcomes relevant to you?
4. How is your organisation held to account for how your actions and decisions impact on the National Outcomes?
5. How are the National Outcomes reflected in everyday decision taking?
6. When it comes to spending priorities or providing funding to others, what role do the National Outcomes play?
7. To what extent is any public sector funding you receive contingent upon demonstrating your contribution to delivery of the National Outcomes?
8. Where do the National Outcomes sit within the range of priorities and demands on your organisation?
9. To what extent do you work collaboratively with other organisations in delivering the National Outcomes relevant to you?
10. Please share any examples of good practice, areas for improvement or practices that have not worked so well

How to submit your views

Please submit your views using the online submission form, linked to below.

We welcome written views in English, Gaelic, Scots or any other language. 

The call for views closes on 14 April 2022.