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Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015
The Well-being of Future Generations Act gives us the encouragement, the permission and the statutory obligation to make the changes needed to improve our social, cultural, environmental and economic well-being
Read MoreProcuring well-being in Wales
Working in collaboration with Cardiff University, the Office of the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales has undertaken research and a Section 20 Review, to establish the extent to which the Act has been informing procurement decisions across the public bodies in Wales since 2016 (when the Act came into force).
Read MoreShaping Accountability in Wales for Future Generations
A radical, ground-breaking culture change is essential if public bodies are going to provide better service provision, now and for future generations
Read MoreInvolvement
Involvement is at the heart of the Well-being of Future Generations Act. Since the creation of the Future Generations Commissioner in 2016, our office has involved thousands of people to support and inform our work. Some of the involvement projects we have undertaken to date include
Read MoreClimate change – our obligations to future generations
What I’ve learnt about climate change since becoming Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, earlier this year, is quite simply frightening. There is no doubt that it’s the greatest challenge facing future generations and action is urgently needed across the public sector to reduce our emissions and its impacts.
Read MoreHomes fit for the Future: The Retrofit Challenge
The purpose of our work is to estimate the total funding needed for the decarbonisation of homes in Wales, identify funding gaps and suggest approaches to addressing these gaps.
Read MoreBuilding Back Creatively: A Poet in Residence for the Future
The Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, Sophie Howe, in collaboration with Literature Wales and Wales Arts International, is announcing an exciting opportunity for an emerging poet to bring the Well-being of Future Generations Act to life.
Read MoreWelsh Government budget must signal a change in direction to reset our economy
The Covid-19 pandemic has exposed deep structural inequalities in our economy and society including wage poverty, health inequalities, racial disparities, food poverty, job insecurity and imbalances in quality of housing. At the same time climate and ecological breakdown is escalating, and we risk exacerbating all of these challenges if we go back to the way things were.
Read MoreFuture Generations Commissioner for Wales announces paid leave for staff fleeing domestic abuse
To mark International Women’s Day, Sophie Howe, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales has announced a new staff policy that provides support and paid leave to staff who are victims of domestic abuse so that they can leave the abuse and secure safe accommodation.
Read MoreKindness in Public Services
Recently the Future Generations Commissioner called for the Welsh Government to instil the value of “kindness” at every level of government and public policy in order to meet the requirements of the Well-being and Future Generations Act.
Read More#TransportOctober Community Transport and Future Generations – Llyr ap Gareth, Community Transport Association UK
The international community faces huge challenges of climate change and dwindling resources. The Well-being of Future Generations Act (Wales) argues that if we hope to tackle those big questions, engaging in a sustainable way with local policy will be critical. I want to shine a light on how some of those local and global policy challenges link together through the lens of community transport.
Read MoreChangemaker 100: Future Generations Commissioner marks end of seven-year term by recognising Wales’ changemakers
People making a positive difference to Wales’ present and future are being spotlighted by the first Future Generations Commissioner, Sophie Howe, as she comes to the end of her seven-year term.
Read More#TransportOctober Roqib Monsur nextbike Ambassador explains why cycling is the best way to get around Cardiff
Since the bike-sharing scheme launched in Cardiff earlier this year, I was one of the people that took advantage of the scheme and began travelling using the nextbike for my everyday travels across the city. After using them a few times, I started raving about it to my friends and family, or anyone who would listen, and getting them to use it too.
Read MoreOur obsession with exams is failing to equip young people with the right skills for the future, says Future Generations Commissioner for Wales
Education fit for the Future A White Paper For discussion Produced by Professor Calvin Jones in collaboration with the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales
Read MoreFuture Generations Commissioner for Wales joins Pope Francis, Chris Hemsworth, and Other Notable Speakers at the First-Ever Free TED Conference
Sophie Howe, will join Prince William, Pope Francis, Al Gore, and over 50 notable speakers at the first ever free TED conference this Saturday.
Read MoreDomestic abuse survivors at Future Generations Wales will get financial support to leave an abusive relationship
People working for the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales will be able to receive cash support to escape an abusive relationship, it is announced today.
Read MoreA Future Fit for Wales: The roadmap to a shorter working week
I am calling on the Welsh Government to launch a shorter working week trial.
Read MoreLong-term Thinking
Resources that can help you think in the longer-term and act today for a better tomorrow.
Read MoreSea levels are rising and so are they - school strikes and how we could embrace them in our soft infrastructures - Lorena Axinte, Researcher, Sustainable Places Research Institute, Cardiff University
“What role do you think young people could play in shaping Cardiff Capital Region?” I asked twelve of the city region’s leaders and chief executives in my research interviews.
Read More#SkillsSeptember - Tackling the changing world of work
At Nesta we have spent a lot of time over the last few years thinking about the future of the world of work.
Read MoreThe Shape of Things to Come
A radical, ground-breaking culture change is essential if public bodies are going to provide better service provision, now and for future generations. That’s the key message at a collaborative event hosted by Wales Auditor General and Future Generations Commission today.
Read MoreFuture Generations Commissioner makes Hay on Wye debut
Sophie Howe, the newly appointed Future Generations Commissioner for Wales will take to the stage at this year’s Hay Festival. The session on June 3rd at 7pm on the Starlight Stage is called “Jane Davidson talks to Sophie Howe on ‘the single most important piece of legislation for the last 20 years?” and will focus on the new Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act which came into force in Wales on April 1st 2016.
Read MoreFuture Generations Commissioner for Wales
The Future Generations Commissioner role, was established by the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 - a pioneering piece of legislation which is unique to Wales
Read MoreCalling all the Zero Heroes
Ten years ago the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) launched a pioneering report – Zero carbon Britain – showing that we have the technology and solutions to reduce our carbon emissions down to zero.
Read MoreGreen spaces are important – that's why we’re asking Welsh Government to ensure people can access nature within a four-minute walk
People in Wales should be able to access nature four minutes from where they live, the Future Generations Commissioner is announcing during National Tree Week.
Read MoreHorizon Scanning
Should your organisation do it and, if yes, how?
Read MoreProcurement
Public bodies in Wales spend over £6 billion each year procuring a range of goods, services and works; this represents nearly a third of total devolved Welsh annual expenditure, and it is estimated that over the next decade Welsh public services will spend over £60 billion.
Read MoreFuture Generations Commissioner urges Welsh Government to deliver on a green recovery budget
Sophie Howe says we have a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to reset Wales’ economy and is calling for “visionary ideas and transformative investment” in the nation’s recovery plan.
Read MoreFor Belle and Emmeline
This Sunday my daughter and I will be taking part in something significant. We will be joining thousands of women across the country marching to commemorate the brave women who came before us 100 years ago who marched, campaigned, starved and even died to get us the vote.
Read MoreStatement on the Future Generations Report 2020
I am pleased to be publishing the first Future Generations Report.
Read MoreGreen Infrastructure
A catalyst for wellbeing of future generations in Wales - a special report by Wildlife Trusts Wales
Read More#SocialPrescribingJanuary: The interconnections of people and planet: our health depends on nature - Ruth Allen
The interconnections of people and planet: health depends on nature.
Read MoreWelsh leaders to attend One Young World global forum for the first time
Young leaders from all over the world will come together in London this week to discuss some of the biggest global issues facing future generations. From climate change to education inequalities, the future of work and media freedom.
Read MoreFair Trade is winning at public policy
On a sunny day in June 2018, I was privileged to be invited to attend the Inaugural EU Cities Fair and Ethical Trade Award Ceremony, in Brussels along with representatives from 15 other EU countries.
Read MoreWales is leading the world on safeguarding the interests of future generations
The world’s first Commissioner whose role it is to act as guardian for future generations, Sophie Howe (Future Generations Commissioner for Wales) will be highlighting how Wales’ is leading the way on safeguarding the interests of future generations when she addresses the United Nations High Level Political Forum in New York this week.
Read MoreCommissioner challenges plans for £1.1bn M4 relief road
Proposals to build a £1.1bn road to ease congestion on the M4 fail to set out how it will meet the needs of our future generations who will be burdened with paying for it,” says Sophie Howe, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales.
Read MoreWorking together to build the Wales we want
In my role as the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, I have found an increasing interest over the last 6 months, from different sectors and indeed different countries to the Well-being of Future Generations Act and the work of our Office.
Read MoreWell-being in Wales: what I found when responding to Public Services Boards’ (PSB) draft assessments of well-being in 2022
Given the unprecedented challenges we’ve faced over the past couple of years, I want to acknowledge the commitment Public Services Boards (PSBs) have demonstrated in working together to prepare their 2022 well-being assessments.
Read MoreA Fit for the Future Programme for Government
We have the opportunity to create a better Wales for current and future generations.
Read MoreWales – where well-being isn’t just a buzz word, it’s the law – reflects on seven years of its world-leading Future Generations Act
A future-fit curriculum for our children, solar panels saving a hospital £1m a year in electric bills, a road building freeze and hundreds of people receiving a basic income – these are just some of the changes Wales is making thanks to its world-leading Well-being of Future Generations Act.
Read MoreWales and the United Nations Agenda 2030: an inclusive review of progress
This week Sophie Howe, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales and the Welsh Government will host a stakeholder summit to build on Wales’ contribution to the United Nations 2030 Agenda.
Read MoreFuture Generations Commissioner calls for Shorter Working Week trial
The Future Generations Commissioner for Wales has called on the Welsh Government to launch a shorter working week trial.
Read More#TransportOctober The “joy” of electric cars in rural Wales by Neil Lewis
My wife and I drove UP to the Farm Shop for breakfast in Cross Hands- half the charge had gone-will we be able to get home.... What have I done?
Read MoreWe can end fuel poverty with £15bn retrofit investment plan for our homes, says Future Generations Commissioner for Wales
Fuel poverty could be eradicated in Wales by 2030 if Welsh Government commits to a long-term plan to improve the efficiency of our homes, says the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales.
Read MoreEducation Fit for the Future in Wales Report
The Education Fit for the Future in Wales report, authored by Professor Calvin Jones (Cardiff Business School) in collaboration with the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, is a White Paper for discussion that calls for us to match the skills needed in the future with our education and qualifications system in Wales.
Read MoreFuture Generations Commissioner for Wales welcomes Welsh Government Climate Emergency declaration
Following today’s announcement by the Welsh Government of a climate emergency, Sophie Howe, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales said:
Read MoreThe Media Must up its Game on Climate Change
Stories about climate events are becoming more common across our news channels. Floods, migration, crop failures, public health – the impact of climate change is wide and varied. Perhaps this incremental increase in climate change activity will lead to more coverage where environmental stories compete for air time on our radio and tv news outlets and in newspaper columns.
Read More#skillsseptember - To Bacc or not to Bacc?
The deadline for responses to the Welsh Government on the status of the Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification is TODAY and you can find more information here.
Read More#Skills - Geography: It’s Importance in Today’s World - Maddie Emery
As we continue our work exploring the skills we will need for the future, we asked Whitchurch High School student, Maddie Emery, about her favourite school topic and why it’s important to her. As Maddie makes important decisions around university courses and writes her personal statement, we asked her to share her thoughts on what she wants to study in the future and why… Geography: It’s Importance in Today’s World
Read MorePublic bodies in Wales are failing to innovate towards a prosperous Wales
Almost a quarter of people are living in poverty in Wales, only 1% of apprenticeships in Wales are filled by disabled people and future working trends suggest that 65% of jobs at risk of becoming automated are those done by women.
Read MoreIt is an undeniable truth that we are failing to tackle climate change quickly enough says Future Generations Commissioner for Wales
n response to the Extinction Rebellion Cardiff five-day protest to highlight the need for urgent action to tackle climate change, Sophie Howe, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales said:
Read MoreWales leading the way with Future Generations Legislation - UN plans to adopt Welsh Approach
Wales is leading the way to protect future generations, the United Nations has said.
Read MoreBlack History Month: “Children should be taught about their histories so that it becomes a normal thing, not something abnormal and unknown.”
“When I look at my life it feels like I really take after my mother."
Read MoreBetter public transport and ‘major reduction’ in emissions plan welcomed by Future Generations Commissioner
A new transport vision for Wales’ future that prioritises public transport and active travel is a positive step towards shifting the nation’s travel habits, says Future Generations Commissioner Sophie Howe.
Read MoreFuture-proof your planning with easy-to-use tool
A new easy-to-use guide will help public bodies to think and plan better for the long-term, by keeping a clear vision and taking future trends into account.
Read MoreHow do we procure well-being?
A record number of online delegates joined the recent Cardiff Business School Breakfast Briefing to hear how the Well-being of Future Generations Act provides an opportunity to transform the way procurement is delivered in Wales. By moving towards an outcomes-based approach, we can ensure the £6 billion spent annually delivers the best outcomes across all four elements of well-being and helps to improve the economic, social, environmental and cultural well-being for current and future generations.
Read MoreBlack History Month: “There is so much Black history that people just don’t know - it’s time to start learning.”
We’re celebrating Black History Month #proudtobe with stories from Black people across Wales on lessons Black history can teach us about the future. Here, Jessica Dunrod, 32, author, translator, and education and inclusion consultant, from Cardiff, talks about the importance of representation and why complacency is one of the biggest threats to future generations...
Read MoreCardiff Council vote to divest pensions from fossil fuels is part of a growing movement in Wales
In response to Cardiff Council's vote to divest pensions from fossil fuels Thursday, 18th July, Sophie Howe, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales said:
Read MoreThe Scharmer U Theory and the Development of Welsh Education (for Adults in the Community) – Dafydd Rhys, Adult Learning Wales
The late and pioneering Arfon Rhys is to be thanked for introducing me to the Scharmer U Theory in 2007. Broadly speaking, this theory of ‘change’ states that individuals, who are responsible for introducing change, must take a number of mental and preparatory steps before they are in a position to implement new strategy to its full potential.
Read MoreFirst delegates of the Future Generations Leadership Academy announced
The Future Generations Commissioner for Wales is pleased to announce the names of the first cohort of young people to participate in the Future Generations Leadership Academy.
Read MorePublic Services Boards must rise to the challenge of decision-making for future generations
"Public Services Boards must rise to challenge of decision-making for future generations and the Welsh Government must raise their level of support and ambition for them to do so", said the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales
Read MoreFuture Generations Commissioner for Wales calls on Local Authorities to divest from fossil fuels
With £1bn of Pension Funds investment in Wales being spent on fossil fuel based companies, the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales calls on Local Authorities to demonstrate how climate risk is being incorporated into their current and future fund's investment strategy.
Read MoreNew report reveals Universal Basic Income in Wales would cut poverty in half
Poverty in Wales would be halved if Welsh Government commits to a progressive Universal Basic Income (UBI), according to a major study commissioned by the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, Sophie Howe.
Read MoreSocial Prescribing approach could lessen pressure on GPs
In response to a British Medical Association survey that revealed that a quarter of GPs in Wales are considering leaving the profession.
Read MoreFuture transport in the capital city - guest blog by Councillor Caro Wild
Cardiff is a really exciting place at the moment. We have a young and fast-growing city, with jobs being created, houses being built and a billion pounds worth of regional rail infrastructure on its way. There’s a real buzz about the capital city.
Read MoreCan't change slow got to change completely - Rufus Mufasa, Poet in Residence
Can't change slow got to change completely - Rufus Mufasa, Poet in Residence
Read MoreFuture Generations Commissioner for Wales - June Newsletter
The events throughout June have highlighted just what can happen when people make their voices heard about what matters to them. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to raise your voice for future generations.
Read MoreUrgent Universal Basic Income, a four-day week and a well-being economy - Future Generations Commissioner’s plan to reshape Wales after coronavirus
Wales urgently needs a Universal Basic Income to help the country deal with the effects of COVID-19, Future Generations Commissioner Sophie Howe says.
Read MoreDraft budget: Defining moment for Welsh Government
The forthcoming budget is a defining moment for the Welsh Government.
Read MoreFuture Generations Commissioner for Wales – July Newsletter
As the summer holidays begin and many of us look forward to spending time with our own future generations, we’re reminded of just what well-being really means; spending time with loved ones, a bike-ride in the sunshine, or simply taking a well-earned break, it’s important to take stock of what’s already been a busy 2019.
Read MoreFuture Generations Commissioner - August Newsletter
We know we can’t tackle the challenges facing our future with the solutions we relied on in the past. Especially when those very ways of working often are what have created the global issues we face in the first place.
Read MoreRe-Energising Wales: Decarbonising Transport in Wales
This paper is one of a series of reports being launched as part of the IWA’s ‘Re-energising Wales’ project, which in early 2019 will deliver a plan to enable Wales to meet its projected energy demands entirely from renewable sources by 2035. The report highlights a number of practical steps that can be taken to overcome Wales’ challenges.
Read MoreNew Future Generations Commissioner calls for ‘urgent and transformational change’ as he takes up post on St David’s Day
Wales’ new champion for the future of the nation is using his first day in the job to call for “urgent and transformational change” to improve people’s lives now and in the future.
Read MoreThree Horizons Toolkit
A new easy-to-use guide will help public bodies to think and plan better for the long-term, by keeping a clear vision and taking future trends into account.
Read MoreProviding advice and assistance to public bodies and PSBs
We provide advice, assistance and support to people on the Well-being of Future Generations Act in a variety of ways.
Read MoreSelf Reflection Tool 2019
In 2018/19, the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales trialled a method of monitoring and assessing progress towards the well-being objectives set by public bodies – one of her duties according to the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.
Read MoreNext Welsh Government budget is an opportunity for a green and just recovery from the pandemic
I recognise the significant challenges that the Welsh Government has faced in the past year, and it is positive that the draft budget for 2021-22, published in December 2020, emphasises the importance of a green and just recovery.
Read MoreHealth and Well-being
We will make it our mission to facilitate a transformation in the way we keep people healthy, with a greater focus on prevention and the long term. As a result, public bodies are working together to tackle the root causes of ill health and addressing health inequalities.
Read MoreCulture and Welsh Language
We will make it our mission to reinforce the positive impact of cultural well-being. As a result, public bodies are making the urgent changes needed to promote culture and creativity, enhance the fabric of communities and promote multi-culturalism and the Welsh language.
Read MoreA Well-being Economy
We will make it our mission to help transition Wales to an economy that puts people and planet first. As a result, governments at all levels, communities and business are making this happen.
Read MoreImplementation and Impact
We will make it our mission to ensure the Well-being of Future Generations Act is applied effectively and with ambition in a way that improves the lives of the people of Wales now and in the future.
Read MoreIf 2020 has shown that we can live our lives closer to home, how can we lock in the benefits for future generations?
The announcement back in March this year that the UK was going into lockdown was a shock to us all and created significant challenges as we navigated a new world which largely required us to stay at home.
Read MoreCardiff Transport Green Paper
In response to Cardiff Council's Transport Green Paper, published Wednesday, 21 March and the start of a city-wide conversation on big ideas that could shape the future of Cardiff's transport system.
Read MoreThe Future Generations Report 2020
This report sets out my assessment of progress made in implementing the Act within the first reporting period, i.e. the last three years
Read MoreWell-being in Wales: planning today for a better tomorrow
The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act (2015) requires Public Services Boards to publish a local assessment of economic, social, environmental and cultural well-being.
Read MoreArea of Focus: Food
From farm to fork, food is critical to achieving Wales’ well-being goals for the health of our people and our planet.
Read MoreTaking Wales Forward Programme for Government provides new opportunities
As the First Minister highlights, this is an opportunity to take a new approach. I am encouraged the Welsh Government recognises the need for new ways of working to make the most of its contribution to improving the wellbeing of people – today and in the longer term
Read MoreNew Future Generations Commissioner reflects on first month as the new guardian for people in Wales not yet born
Imagine a person born 50 or 100 years into the future - how is their life going to be made worse or better by what you do today?
Read MoreThe People’s Platform
For centuries we have learnt and understood the world around us through the ancient art of storytelling.
Read MoreManifesto for the Future
Our younger generations are calling out the failures of past decisions, and sadly, often decisions in the continuing present that fail to take into account their futures – embarrassing, perhaps, but necessary.
Read MorePicture Your Future: A Participatory Photography Project on the National Nature Service (Wales)
Currently in Wales we have a major skills gap. This is only going to widen as we move to green technologies and green jobs. We know that if Wales is to be prosperous, we need our workers to have the skills for the jobs of the future.
Read MoreInternational Work
The work we do in Wales continues to inspire organisations and governments internationally.
Read More#ACEsDecember Are too many women being jailed in Wales?
In response to a BBC Wales story on the numbers of Welsh women in prison for non-violent offences, Sophie Howe commented on how the impact on children and young people and contributes to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).
Read MoreUrgent action needed to protect communities from climate change
Stronger, more focused action is needed to protect communities in Wales from the risks of Climate Change, says Sophie Howe, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales.
Read MoreClimate and Nature
We will make it our mission to ensure all Welsh public bodies achieve their net zero and nature positive goals by 2030. As a result, public bodies are leading action on climate change including adaptation, in a way that reduces inequalities and maximises the benefits to people and communities across Wales.
Read MorePublic sector must stop funding climate change say Welsh organisations and Future Generations Commissioner for Wales
Friends of the Earth Cymru, Sophie Howe, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales and other environment, development and trade union groups are calling on all public sector bodies in Wales to stop investing in climate-wrecking fossil fuel companies.
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