In recent years there has been a global shift in public policy, moving from traditional economic and output-based measures of government performance towards a more holistic focus on measures of wellbeing.

Governments are increasingly recognising that societal progress must be measured not only in material terms, but also by quality of life, mental and physical health, and other factors which determine the overall wellbeing of their citizens. 

Embedding wellbeing into public policy is a complex, multi-dimensional process that requires a structured framework for change. A maturity model provides a staged pathway for organisations and governments to assess their progress, identify gaps and plan for next steps.

This document explores what a general maturity model for embedding wellbeing approaches in public policy might look like, outlining key stages, characteristics and enablers at each point in the journey.

A maturity model is a structured collection of elements that describe certain aspects of maturity in an organisation or process. It enables self-assessment, benchmarking and guidance for deliberate improvement. In the context of wellbeing approaches in public policy, a maturity model helps governments progress from ad hoc, isolated initiatives to fully integrated, systemic and sustainable approaches.

A maturity model for embedding wellbeing in public policy can be conceptualised across five stages. 

1. Awareness: stakeholders become aware of the importance of wellbeing as a public good. 
2. Experimentation: government begins to pilot or trial wellbeing initiatives.
3. Integration: wellbeing is more systematically incorporated into policy design, delivery, and evaluation. 
4. Alignment: wellbeing policy approaches are harmonised across all government departments, agencies, and policies, at all levels; there is alignment between political priorities, operational processes, and lived experience of citizens. 
5. Systemic culture: wellbeing is fully embedded as a defining principle in the ethos, culture, and functioning of government, public bodies, and civil society.