December 11, 2018

Wellbeing and Devolution: Reframing the role of government in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

by Carnegie UK Trust

We are delighted to announce that Springer Online has published a new book by our Head of Policy, Jennifer Wallace.

Wellbeing and Devolution: Reframing the role of government in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland explores, for the first time, why each of the three devolved governments set their goal as improving wellbeing and how they balance the core elements of societal wellbeing (economic, social and environmental outcomes). It asks whether the frameworks represent a genuine attempt to think differently about how devolved government can plan and organise public services. And if so, what early indications are there of the impact is this having on people’s lives?

Matthew Taylor, Chief Executive, RSA said: “As someone who commissioned one of the first attempts to learn from the devolved nations I am delighted to see this publication by Jennifer Wallace. We in England need to learn a great deal more in policy areas like wellbeing where we are clearly lagging behind the other parts of the UK.”

Julia Unwin, CBE said: “In this book, Wallace elegantly shows how committed government intervention can improve wellbeing with rigour and impact. It’s an essential read for anyone concerned with the future of the UK.”

Megan Mathias, Wales Centre for Public Policy said: “Wallace offers a practical and balanced analysis of the evolution of wellbeing as a policy narrative and framework in the devolved nations of the UK. This timely contribution is relevant to anyone interested in the emergent idea of ‘wellbeing’ beyond our borders too.”

The Carnegie UK Trust has supported the publication to make it open access.  You can read the eBook here.

This short briefing was produced following the book launch in The House of Commons in May 2019, sponsored by Jo Swinson MP.  You can download the briefing document here.