Good Food Nation Plan development – understanding local authority and health board processes: report

1. Introduction

1.1 Background and policy context

The Good Food Nation (Scotland) Act 2022 – henceforth referred to as ‘the Act’ - places statutory duties on Scottish Ministers and relevant authorities (local authorities and territorial National Health Service (NHS) Health Boards), to prepare and publish Good Food Nation Plans. These plans set out how organisations will contribute to Good Food Nation Local and National Outcomes in relation to food policy, and support a fair, healthy and sustainable food system in Scotland.

In advance of the first cycle of statutory plan development, the Scottish Government commissioned this research to better understand how relevant authorities are preparing for this duty, through for example, their anticipated processes, governance arrangements, resource implications and support needs.

1.2 Purpose of the research

The purpose of this research is to inform the Scottish Government’s approach to supporting relevant authorities in developing their Good Food Nation plans.

Specifically, the research explores anticipated approaches to plan development, governance and leadership arrangements, partnership working, resource and capacity considerations, and perceived challenges and risks.

1.3 Scope of the research

The research focuses on local authorities and territorial NHS Health Boards as they are defined as relevant authorities under the Act. It examines organisational-level approaches rather than assessing individual performance or statutory compliance.