Miriam McKenna, Inequality, Economy and Climate Change Programme Manager at the IS, writes about the Wellbeing Economy and how it can help support changing priorities within Local Government and the public sector.
The priorities of Local Government and the public sector have undergone significant changes in recent years. The pandemic highlighted the value of jobs that haven’t always been held in high esteem or been well paid, such as health and social care workers as well as those in the foundational economy, such as those working in shops, supermarkets and delivery. The impact of the pandemic on our own lives also made us realise the significance of individual and community wellbeing, and how important it is that our economy supports these aims.
When I look at the work of the Improvement Service on issues such as child poverty and climate change and then across to our economic outcomes project, it is clear to see that the current economic model is not inclusive, fair or good for our planet. The way we have traditionally measured economic performance, through criteria such as GDP, doesn’t measure the right things, and in Scotland our priorities for economic outcomes are changing.
Our economy needs to bring us Social Justice on a Healthy Planet. That’s how the Wellbeing Economy Alliance (WEAll) defines a Wellbeing Economy; where growth isn’t the primary driver of an economy, but the wellbeing of the population and the planet we live on is.
Recognising that many of our projects have a lot to offer the development of a wellbeing economy in Scotland, the Improvement Service became a member of the Wellbeing Economy Alliance (WEAll) in 2022. WEAll is the leading global collaboration of organisations, alliances, movements, and individuals working together to transform the economic system into one that delivers social justice on a healthy planet.
Being a WEAll member means that the IS can engage with a network of organisations around the world who are working towards wellbeing economies, to drive economic system change, learn from others, amplify our work and help local authorities connect into this important movement. You can apply to become a WEAll member here and join the growing number of organisations from around the world, coming together to share knowledge and practice.
Many local authorities are becoming more and more engaged in a wellbeing economy approach using tools such as Community Wealth Building to drive forward progress. Local authorities, and their community planning partners are at the heart of their communities and as large ‘anchor’ organisations they can have a significant impact on the local economy, as an employer, as a procurer of goods and services and as an owner of assets, in particular. Local authorities can look across their various services and join these up to have an even more positive impact, particularly in targeting economic opportunities towards those who are living in socio-economic disadvantage.
At the national level, the Scottish Government has committed to building a Wellbeing Economy as a top priority, with Scotland being one of the founding members of the Wellbeing Economy Governments. In addition, the Government have recently published a Wellbeing Economy Toolkit and Local Wellbeing Economy Monitor to help local areas measure how well they are doing in delivering an economy that is inclusive, environmentally friendly, meets the needs of the population and provides opportunities for all.