Making the Future - second Just Transition Commission: initial report

Monitoring and evaluation

Context

The remit of the JTC calls for advice on how best to monitor and evaluate progress towards achieving a just transition in Scotland. In this first report, we set out some key priorities as the Scottish Government progresses work to establish a robust monitoring and evaluation framework, that enables just transition delivery and helps to prevent unjust outcomes. Further, more detailed advice on effective monitoring and evaluation and concrete recommendations will follow in subsequent reporting from the Commission.

Strategic priorities

Effective engagement on measuring progress: Design monitoring and evaluation of the transition on the basis of findings from engagement work, identifying risks, roadblocks and meaningful monitoring and evaluation methodologies, to ensure outcomes meet the needs and expectations of all within society. Engagement should ensure a participatory and just process in the collection and interpretation of evaluation data to hold government to account for delivery of just transition outcomes. Systematic and targeted engagement, covering hard-to-reach and marginalised groups, should ensure that their perspectives are incorporated into monitoring and evaluation plans. Open and honest engagement is required to recognise current failures and accept suggestions on how to do this better

Inclusivity tools: A social inclusivity tool systematically assesses how and to what extent a project or programme meets a range of social requirements such as health and wellbeing and equality and diversity; monitoring inclusion and equitable delivery through an iterative process; as well as ensuring multiple stakeholders' experience and participation has been considered throughout. An inclusivity tool approach to delivery will assist in the identification of areas for improvement in projects and programmes across the Scottish Government and guide monitoring and evaluation of a just transition.

Drawing on best practices: Governments, agencies and organisations across the world are currently working with and developing effective monitoring and evaluation just transition methodologies. To avoid "reinventing the wheel" it is important to share knowledge and experience to ensure best practice informs the approach to monitoring and evaluating Scotland's progress.

Keeping an open dialogue: Authenticity is key to an inclusive transition, nurturing full participatory processes for the identification, monitoring and mitigation of risks. Case studies can provide a holistic view of a stakeholder's journey in the transition, and can strengthen relationships by recognising these stories as valuable contributions. The development of case studies to highlight a range of transition experiences to-date, including both negative and positive experiences, is important to recognise risks and challenges while developing an open, authentic and holistic dialogue.