Scottish Government People's Panel 2026-27 Event 1: Reform of the National Performance Framework

3 Key considerations for Government

The findings highlight the challenges involved in reforming the NPF as well as the public appetite to engage with its future development. The discussions suggest a number of considerations for policy makers involved in the review and implementation of the NPF:

• Emotional and instinctive responses: The views expressed by the Panel were shaped by wider concerns about living standards, public services and trust in institutions. While many welcomed the idea of a shared national vision, they were also sceptical and wanted clearer evidence that it would lead to meaningful change.
• Practical reactions to outcomes and principles: Members generally supported the outcomes and principles proposed for the reformed NPF. Their concerns centred on whether it will influence decisions, improve outcomes and provide visible accountability for progress. Greater clarity around delivery, ownership and measurement was seen as essential, as were plain language, better ordering, and sharper definitions.
• Naming, language and communication: Members suggested that technical language in the NPF may be acting as a barrier to public engagement. Consideration could be given to how the framework is branded, communicated and explained to audiences with no prior knowledge of the NPF.
• Digital transparency and accountability: There was enthusiasm for more transparent reporting including a citizen-facing digital approach that integrates more local-level data, actions, milestones, and ownership – mirroring expectations set by more advanced digital services elsewhere.

Taken together, the findings suggest that the NPF is most likely to build relevance and confidence if it is presented as a living framework that is visibly connected to delivery, accountability, and ongoing public explanation.

Recommendations for reforming the National Performance Framework

Based on discussions of the Scottish Government People’s Panel

1. Make the links between the NPF and government delivery more explicit

Show how the framework informs government priorities and decisions, how progress towards the outcomes will be measured, and who is responsible for achieving improvement.

2. Clarify language and concepts

Resolve categorisation ambiguities (for example where housing, education, and care sit), define or reconsider less intuitive principles, and minimise technical language and jargon.

3. Make fairness and equality more visible in reporting and implementation

Demonstrate how progress towards the NPF outcomes is experienced by different places, generations and communities across Scotland, reflecting participants’ concerns that national-level measures can overlook important differences in lived experience.

4. Modernise reporting and presentation

Develop accessible digital reporting that combines local and national level information, integrates information about expenditure and progress, and invites ongoing feedback – turning the NPF from a static document into a living service.

5. Build trust through ongoing public engagement

Continue to engage with the public in the development and implementation of the NPF. Provide balanced updates on achievements and challenges to build trust and public confidence.