This report provides governments with a practical manual for how to achieve better outcomes for the people they serve. It identifies the essential components that make up an effective approach to transformational government change – change that is capable of putting the wellbeing of current and future generations at the centre of decisions. 

Governments across the world have acknowledged that the fundamental purpose of government is to improve the wellbeing of its people, and are taking steps to embed wellbeing at the heart of policymaking. While significant progress has been made in some jurisdictions, as with most attempts at government structural reform, many others have not led to substantial change. 

This report identifies six principles that can guide governments wanting to work smarter to improve the lives of citizens. It makes 13 recommendations – practical actions that governments can take to ensure systems are set up to put wellbeing at the heart of decision making. 

Principles

1. Understand what you are working towards
2. Take a whole-of-government approach to interventions
3. Focus on the people who make up decision-making systems
4. Move beyond quantification
5. Design for useability
6. Invest in execution