Policy Course
Module 6: Measuring wellbeing

6.8 Using wellbeing data to set priorities for change

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Acting as a mirror

Whereas wellbeing visions (Module 5) set out the desired destination, the purpose of wellbeing measurement frameworks (this module) is to act as a mirror and to enable a comparison of desired outcomes with current performance. Wellbeing measurement frameworks concretise the wellbeing vision, by specifying ‘what good looks like’ for each of the desired high-level outcomes and by painting a picture of how current outcomes are tracking against this. In turn, this enables the identification of priorities for change as well as strengths to build on. 

Using wellbeing frameworks to identify government priorities helps turn wellbeing goals into real policy actions. Defining clear overarching wellbeing priorities for government helps to create a more connected and coordinated approach to building a wellbeing economy. Right now, different ministries or departments often work in siloes, each focusing on their own goals, which means they have little reason to support outcomes that fall under the responsibility of others [1] [2]. Having shared wellbeing priorities makes all departments responsible for wellbeing, encouraging them to align their individual goals with the overall wellbeing objectives.

Several governments have used their wellbeing measurement frameworks to identify overarching wellbeing priorities, which in turn shapes government decisions about budgets and policy development more generally.

Case studies.

Click on the Case Study cards to find out more about how the governments of Iceland and New Zealand have gone about this process.

References:

[1] APPG (2014), Wellbeing in four policy areas, All Party Parliamentary Group on Wellbeing Economics, London, https://b.3cdn.net/nefoundation/ccdf9782b6d8700f7c_lcm6i2ed7.pdf (accessed on 7 April 2021).

[2] OECD (2021), COVID-19 and Well-being: Life in the Pandemic, Chapter 1 Building back better lives: Using a well-being lens to refocus, redesign, realign and reconnect. Paris: OECD Publishing, https://doi.org/10.1787/1e1ecb53-en.