**Scotland’s [National Performance Framework (NPF)](https://nationalperformance.gov.scot/), a policy tool that sets out Scotland's National Outcomes and 81 Indicators as specific measures of progress, is currently under review. At a time when a new policy framework or strategy emerges every week in Scotland with little to no mention of the NPF, you might wonder, _'What is the point of Scotland's NPF?'_  Quite understandably, the significance of the NPF can seem unclear.**  

The latest [statutory review](https://www.gov.scot/publications/national-outcomes-review-2023-consultation-information-pack/) of Scotland's National Outcomes, which the Scottish Government is obliged to conduct every five years, has prompted me to consider similar questions about the framework’s future relevance. But, having spent close to a decade working in and around the cluttered landscape of Scottish public policy, a more critical question is: _'How can we shape the future of the NPF so that it plays a more effective and efficient role?_'  

The Scottish Government's [consultation](https://consult.gov.scot/national-performance-framework-unit/review-of-the-npf/) on the National Outcomes, due to close on 12 June, provides the latest opportunity to address parts of this question. While SCVO will actively engage with this review as part of our commitment to the NPF, there is a part of me that worries that this round of engagement is a box to check – part of the Scottish Government's statutory obligations – rather than an attempt to seek a fresh impetus and approach.  

We can only judge when we see the changes that come from the review and whether, by the time of the following statutory review in 2028, the NPF is deeply embedded across Scottish public policy, driving decision-making and spending. That will mark 21 years since the NPF and its associated National Outcomes were launched, and the quality and depth of the 2023 review will be critical in determining its future beyond that. 

The NPF has long been seen as a strong model to inform discussion, collaboration, and planning for policy and services country-wide. I do not doubt that it has contributed to positive change across Scotland in those 16 years. But can the NPF help drive the change, choices, and partnerships that Scotland needs over the next 16 years without a more strategic and practical focus on implementation? 

Members of the [Scottish Leaders Forum (SLF)](https://scottishleadersforum.org/), a forum of over 300 senior leaders, identified clear issues with the collective responsibility and leadership of the NPF in their 2022 [report](https://scottishleadersforum.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/leadership-collective-responsibility-and-delivering-the-national-outcomes.pdf). As part of the [Finance and Public Administration Committee's](https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/committees/current-and-previous-committees/session-6-finance-and-public-administration-committee) recent [inquiry](https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/committees/current-and-previous-committees/session-6-finance-and-public-administration-committee/business-items/national-performance-framework-ambitions-into-action), [evidence sessions](https://www.parliament.scot/api/sitecore/CustomMedia/OfficialReport?meetingId=13775) at the Scottish Parliament revealed many organisations' support and hope for the NPF, with equal measures of frustration with its lack of integration across policy and delivery.  

The consultation focuses solely on whether the National Outcomes reflect the Scotland we want to see. Here, [SCVO will call](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hhFx5gmcjZu4dmKtGAk4CBV1fRgvnXQC/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=101992254684199924871&rtpof=true&sd=true) on the government to address the glaring omission of the voluntary sector. We want to see a change of language in the _['Fair Work and Business'](https://nationalperformance.gov.scot/national-outcomes/fair-work-and-business)_ outcome, a new indicator to measure progress towards _a 'thriving and sustainable voluntary sector'_, and a commitment to develop an indicator to quantify the economic value of the voluntary sector in time for the 2028 review. 

Beyond the National Outcomes, the Scottish Government should have made better use of this review to consult on actual proposals for addressing the implementation gap that clouds the impact and success of the NPF, building on recommendations outlined by scrutiny bodies such as the Scottish Parliament and Audit Scotland, the SLF, and organisations like SCVO in recent years. This matters more than anything to the future of the NPF. 

The Scottish Government's [latest correspondence](https://www.parliament.scot/-/media/files/committees/finance-and-public-administration-committee/correspondence/2023/npf_dfmtodeputyconvener_18may23.pdf) to the Scottish Parliament says that it will publish resources to support the use of the NPF and develop an implementation plan with stakeholders to enable the NPF to play a leading role in strategic decision-making. Still, the Scottish Government should have focused on visibility, accountability, and collaboration in this consultation rather than being – or at best, seeming - an afterthought.  

That is because, at least from the outside, these things are an afterthought in day-to-day use and application of the NPF. Rather than SCVO’s submission outlining once more that the government should act upon the report of the SLF, make more visible and accessible links between policies and the NPF, and, amongst other things, address its data infrastructure (collecting, managing and using data) that holds the NPF back, we should be at a place where the discussion centres around how to make all of this happen.   

Each of us has a role in ensuring that Scotland's NPF still has its place in 2028, but none more so than the Scottish Government. [SCVO’s recommendations](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hhFx5gmcjZu4dmKtGAk4CBV1fRgvnXQC/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=101992254684199924871&rtpof=true&sd=true) will form just one of many submissions to the government's consultation from voluntary organisations throughout Scotland, reflecting our continued commitment to the framework and what it stands for, and to securing its future across public policy. That future is certainly not set in stone.  

_Make your voice heard before the deadline on Monday 12 June 2023, and your input might shape the future of the NPF. One way is to [submit a response](https://consult.gov.scot/national-performance-framework-unit/call-for-evidence/) and draw upon [SCVO's positions](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hhFx5gmcjZu4dmKtGAk4CBV1fRgvnXQC/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=101992254684199924871&rtpof=true&sd=true) to show your support. Alternatively, you can [contact me](mailto:paul.bradley@scvo.scot) directly to share your views on our_ [_emerging draft._](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hhFx5gmcjZu4dmKtGAk4CBV1fRgvnXQC/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=101992254684199924871&rtpof=true&sd=true)

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## About SCVO

SCVO (Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations) is the national membership organisation for Scotland's voluntary sector.

Our role is to champion the role of voluntary organisations in Scotland and to support them to do work that has a positive impact.

SCVO supports members and the wider voluntary sector with all aspects of setting up and running a voluntary organisation. SCVO represents the needs and concerns of the voluntary sector to the Scottish government in Holyrood and UK government and Westminster. Through our learning and events programme SCVO offers training and development opportunities to the sector.

Members access an extensive membership benefits package including specialist, in-depth, 1-to-1 guidance from our Information Services team and from professional service partners.

Access to exclusive membership networks (including comms, employers, governance and policy) supports members to grow their connections, stay up to date, exchange ideas and views with peers, and learn through tailored, learning opportunities.

SCVO members enjoy free access to Funding Scotland Premium to stay on top of funding opportunities to support their organisation’s financial resilience.

Discounts and savings savings on SCVO products and services (including our HR service, managed IT support, payroll service and events and training) and partner offers provide members with support to allow them to focus on delivering their organisation’s goals. Further SCVO products and services include [extensive digital support](https://scvo.scot/support/digital), a climate action resource [Growing Climate Confidence](https://climateconfident.scot), a voluntary sector publication [Third Force News](https://tfn.scot) and a voluntary sector jobs and recruitment service [Goodmoves](https://goodmoves.org).

For more information on SCVO membership, visit [SCVO membership](https://scvo.scot/membership)