The Wellbeing Roundtable approach: From measuring what matters to making change happen

Since 2013, governments around the world have adopted new measures and dashboards for collective wellbeing. There are many  frameworks that help governments identify what to measure. But there is less guidance on how to construct and implement these wellbeing frameworks.

This guide aims to fill this gap. It introduces the Wellbeing Roundtable approach: a step-by-step process that will support practitioners to develop a wellbeing framework that has the best chance of success.

The document explains how local, regional, or national governments can establish a wellbeing roundtable. The guide outlines an approach where representatives and experts come together to identify what matters most to local people.

This information is then used to create a framework – a system to track these issues and to underpin initiatives to improve quality of life and sustainability.

The guide is built on Carnegie UK’s practical experience of delivering Wellbeing Roundtables in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the North of Tyne; and it is informed by the insights and experience of 39 experts who participated in a structured research process. The guide brings together case studies and lessons learned from a variety of contexts; and so it will be useful for both officials and elected members.

The guide was written by Dr Max French at Northumbria University with Ben Thurman of Carnegie UK and with support from Capabilities in Academic Policy Engagement (CAPE).