ALLIANCE respond to further NPF Review engagement with human rights focus
- Area of Work: The ALLIANCE
- 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:
Take part in participant-led rail journey research
Continue readingThe committee wants greater involvement from lived experience to strengthen their work.
Continue readingLived experience and peer support driving mental health transformation in Scotland.
Continue readingThe new platform ‘MyCare.scot’ is being led by the Scottish Government and Public Services Delivery Scotland.
Continue readingRead more about financial support available for unpaid carers in Scotland.
Continue readingAs part of our 20 year anniversary, we celebrate the Scottish Sensory Hub, the important work they do, and why it matters.
Continue readingLucy Mulvagh, Director of Policy, Research and Impact, at the ALLIANCE is moving on after 10 years supporting the organisation.
Continue readingParties set out positions on human rights, social care and more at our hustings ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament Election.
Continue readingThe Digital Citizen Panel's monthly Conversation Cafe - Bring a Buddy has launched an 'On the Road' offer and is looking for hosts
Continue readingThese stories illustrate how system-minded, compassionate leadership is influencing transformation across health and social care in Scotland
Continue readingCare Roadshow Scotland to showcase leading innovation in care and latest sector updates at upcoming show.
Continue readingThis short report provides an overview of the role of housing in health and social care integration.
Continue readingWorking together to support families through a new whole household approach
Continue readingA coalition of organisations urges immediate support as rising costs threaten people most at risk across Scotland.
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 reading#TryAToolTuesday raises awareness of free and trusted apps and resources that help people improve and manage their health and wellbeing.
Continue readingEuropean Patients Forum announces 2026 training for young patient advocates to build skills and shape healthcare.
Continue readingTake part in this survey if you have a long term condition, are Deaf, Deafblind or have a Visual Impairment
Continue readingLearn more about the Parkrun BSL glossary and YouTube video series
Continue readingFind Lipreading classes local to you
Continue readingPaid internship opportunity for school leavers with Visual Impairment
Continue readingAn examination of the role of social workers in alleviating stigma experienced by members of the Deaf community in Ireland and the UK
Continue readingThis study is for young people aged 12–16 years living in Scotland, who are Blind or have Severe Sight Impairment
Continue readingSupporting stronger information rights, while warning delivery must work for an already stretched sector
Continue reading