ALLIANCE respond to further NPF Review engagement with human rights focus
- Area of Work: Policy and Research
- Type: News Item
- Published: 2nd April 2026
After the Scottish Government scrapped the initial review, the most recent proposal suggests a smaller number of broader outcomes.
The ALLIANCE have submitted a response to the Scottish Government’s most recent round of engagement on the review of the National Performance Framework (NPF). The ALLIANCE engaged extensively with the earlier stages of the NPF review through:
- Membership of the “A Scotland that cares” campaign for a National Outcome on Care.
- Responding to the Scottish Government’s 2023 public consultation.
- Submitting a written response to the Finance and Public Administration Committee’s 2024 inquiry.
- Subsequently providing in-person evidence to the committee.
We previously welcomed several of the changes that had been proposed to the NPF, in particular the addition of a National Outcome on Care. Similarly, the shift in focus of the business and economy related outcomes to “Wellbeing Economy and Fair Work” was a positive step forward. We also felt the retention of a standalone Equality and Human Rights outcome made sense, whilst emphasising the need to embed human rights throughout the outcomes. However, we also recommended that more work was done to fully embed the NPF in the policy development process.
The ALLIANCE were surprised and disappointed by what amounted to a sudden scrapping of the review in early 2025. It remains unclear from this further engagement document why this was felt to be necessary, or how the evidence from the review has informed these new proposals.
The ALLIANCE are not inherently opposed to some of the proposals in this new document, including reducing the number of outcomes; the aim that human rights are a cross-cutting perspective throughout them; and changing the name of the NPF. We are however concerned by the lack of clarity around how and why these new proposals have been developed, the continued lack of information on indicators, and the extremely limited reference to human rights beyond the mention of being a cross-cutting perspective.
The Scottish Government must offer more information on their plans, including indicators, and undertake adequate consultation on them. In addition, more work must be done to embed the refreshed NPF into all aspects of government planning and budgeting, for example by ensuring the annual Programme for Government is framed around the national outcomes, and undertaking more comprehensive budget tagging in relation to them.
You can read the full response via the resource links below.
End of page.
You may also like:
The letter urges honesty on the financial challenges facing Scotland, and progressing reforms to council tax.
Continue readingALLIANCE consultation response calls for clearer guidance, sustained investment and local support to make carers' breaks a reality.
Continue readingThe letter also calls on the Scottish Government to appoint a dedicated Cabinet Secretary for Human Rights.
Continue readingThe letter calls on the UK Government to take steps to fully incorporate economic, social and cultural rights in law.
Continue readingParties set out positions on human rights, social care and more at our hustings ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament Election.
Continue readingYoung people’s feedback will help NHS 24 better understand needs and improve support services.
Continue readingALLIANCE input and lived experience evidence help shape stronger, person-centred and trauma-informed maternity care
Continue readingSupporting stronger information rights, while warning delivery must work for an already stretched sector
Continue readingA new resource by Adaptation Scotland to help social care professionals integrate climate adaptation into care planning and delivery.
Continue readingRead more about the ALLIANCE response to the report on the impact of COVID-19 on the health and social care sector in Scotland.
Continue readingUp to £20 million to be delivered via Independent Living Fund to help people live in their communities
Continue readingRefined plans focus on practical measure to improve outcomes for people with learning disabilities, autism and neurodivergence.
Continue readingMarie Curie has published new analysis showing that almost one in three people in Scotland die without the palliative care they need.
Continue readingThis budget must put the third sector on a sustainable footing, and deliver on the Government's pledge to abolish social care charges.
Continue readingShare your views before 19 February
Continue readingReform of the council tax system is long overdue, with the current system negatively impacting funding for services including social care.
Continue readingFirst monitoring report shows improvements in wellbeing and services alongside ongoing gaps in data and unequal outcomes
Continue readingProgress in many areas is welcome, but the budget must go further on social care, mental health and third sector support.
Continue readingThe 'joint statement on prevention' partners have issued a follow-up ahead of the 2026-27 Scottish Budget.
Continue readingEvent calls for human rights to be a priority ahead of the Scottish Parliament Elections in 2026.
Continue readingCommission raises concerns over the state of economic, social and cultural rights in Scotland
Continue readingNew online platform invites individuals and communities to shape Scotland’s path to net zero
Continue readingA survey of ALLIANCE third sector members found a worsening financial crisis arising from a range of pressures.
Continue readingThe letter calls for a reaffirmation of the UK's commitment to human rights and to oppose any proposals to weaken them.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE has produced a briefing for the Scottish Parliament debate on BSL, taking place on 11 December 2025.
Continue reading