Our evidence reviews, analysis, and guidance focus on:
Good governance for wellbeing looks likely to be governments and organisations that are competent, fair and caring. Our relationship with our government affects, and is affected by, our wellbeing. When people are satisfied with the way they are governed, wellbeing is higher and more equal. Using the World Bank indicators, analysis shows that what ranks highest in importance for people are ‘effectiveness of government services and efficiency of government and policy delivery’. How we do government matters too.
This is particularly important at lower GDP levels, but still holds true in richer countries. The European Social Survey suggests that once a country reaches a good level of GDP, other governance factors become important, particularly ‘voice and accountability’, ‘political stability’ and ‘absence of violence and terrorism’. The latter highlights the importance of feeling safe.
There is also evidence suggesting that people who participate in their communities are also active in political life.
There are a wide range of UK legislative duties and roles related to wellbeing. Collectively this legislation places duties on the public sector and its services to consider and provide for the wellbeing of citizens, be that in certain geographical areas or sections of those societies, for example carers with The Care Act. It presents opportunities across the board, for policy makers, purchasers and providers of services at all levels.
These led to the statutory introduction of Health and Wellbeing Boards in local authorities across England in 2013.
Carnegie has led work towards a Wellbeing Framework which is hoped will inform public service design and embed wellbeing in policy from 2016.
Let us know of any others.
After five years of building the evidence base, the What Works Centre for Wellbeing is now able to build on the 2014 Commission for Wellbeing and Policy’s 12 priority areas. Below are the implications for creating evidence-informed wellbeing policy.
