The Welsh Government has also published a set of 46 National Indicators to help measure progress towards achieving these Goals.
The Indicators have been chosen so that we can all see if, for Wales as a whole, things are getting better.
The Act enables Ministers to review and amend the national indicators so that they stay up to date and relevant.
At the start of each financial year Ministers must publish an annual progress report setting out the progress made over the last year.
Who does it affect?
Public Bodies
The Act places a requirement on 44 devolved public bodies to set and publish well-being objectives that are designed to maximise their contribution to achieving each of the well-being goals, and they must take all reasonable steps to meet those objectives.
Public bodies must publish a statement when setting their well-being objectives, explaining why they feel the objective will help them achieve the seven goals and how it has applied the sustainable development principle.
They must also publish an annual report showing the progress they have made in meeting their objectives.
Public bodies in Wales
- Welsh Ministers
- Local Authorities
- Local Health Boards
- Public Health Wales NHS Trust
- Velindre NHS Trust
- National Park Authorities
- Fire and Rescue Authorities
- Natural Resources Wales
- The Arts Council of Wales
- Sports Council of Wales
- The National Library of Wales
- The National Museum of Wales
Public Service Boards
The Act also forms Public Service Boards.
The purpose of a Public Services Board (or PSB) is to improve the economic, social, environmental and cultural well-being in its local area by strengthening joint working across all public services in Wales.
PSBs must include the Local Authorities, Natural Resources Wales, Health Boards and Fire Services – and additional ‘invited participants’ including; Welsh Ministers, Chief Constables, and at least one body representing relevant voluntary organisations.
PSBs have a duty to design and implement Local Well-being Plans, informed by detailed assessments, and set objectives for their local area to maximise their contribution to the well-being goals.
Public Service Boards
Future Generations Commissioner
The Act also creates a Future Generations Commissioner, who acts as a guardian for the interests of future generations in Wales, to support the public bodies to work towards achieving the well-being goals and monitor progress in achieving objectives.
Derek Walker is Wales’ Future Generations Commissioner and took up the post in 2023, replacing Sophie Howe.
Do the Well-Being Goals apply to us?
Although only public bodies are bound by the Act, its Well-Being Goals will not be achieved without the support of other sectors and individual actions too.
Where can I find out more?
For further information around the Act, visit these links
