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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 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 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 MoreClimate change threat to our homes explored by Future Generations Commissioner’s poet in residence, Taylor Edmonds, with new poem commissioned by free event, Everything Change
‘the leaders, the people, they rolled over like spent dogs, yawned above the warnings’
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 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 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 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 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 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 MoreLong-term Thinking
Resources that can help you think in the longer-term and act today for a better tomorrow.
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 MoreSophie Howe, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, welcomes the news that all new road building projects in Wales are being paused by Welsh Government
“This is a huge step in the right direction for the healthier, resilient and more equal Wales and shows the difference having a Well-being of Future Generations Act makes."
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 MoreA Fit for the Future Programme for Government
We have the opportunity to create a better Wales for current and future generations.
Read MoreThe story of a small town with well-being at its heart
Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank, 1984 by George Orwell and the complete works of Shakespeare are some of the books that have shaped the way we think, inspired change and left an indelible mark on future generations.
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 MoreFuture Generations Commissioner for Wales Response to Welsh Government’s Well-being of Wales Report
"The Well-being of Wales Report is Welsh Government’s assessment of whether they are making progress against the seven national well-being goals set in law by the Well-being of Future Generations Act."
Read MoreThe challenges of future housing
Sometimes when we talk about housing, we get very caught up in the technicalities, the regulations, planning and specifics, that we forget that we're really talking about is home.
Read MoreFuture Generations Commissioner welcomes moves to reduce M4 congestion with public and active travel
The Future Generations Commissioner for Wales has welcomed plans to improve public transport to reduce traffic on the M4- but says more needs to be done to retain the numbers of people working remotely.
Read More#skillsseptember - A Ddylai Robotiad Siarad Cymraeg? (Should robots speak Welsh?)
During the Summer, we hosted our first event at the National Eisteddfod in Cardiff Bay. The subject of debate was, 'Should robots speak Welsh?' Here are the reflections of Meilys and Indeg who sat on the panel.
Read MoreSupport communities to fight climate emergency, says Future Generations Commissioner as he launches call for all councils in Wales to be net zero
Supporting community climate action is essential if local councils are to help Wales cut climate-warming carbon emissions and reach net zero, the Future Generations Commissioner said today. [Tuesday, March 5.]
Read More“Mrs Jones doesn’t care about your service boundaries or your multi-agency plans” – how do public services support people and keep them well at home?
How do public services support people and keep them well at home?
Read More#PlanningMarch - Insights into the skills and mindset of a planner by Phil Williams
Having spent over 40 years as a local government planner, I am now a planning director in my own consultancy practice.
Read MoreThe vital role of the arts in ensuring the well-being of future generations
As we celebrated our National Patron Saint’s Day last week, we were reminded of our country’s strong cultural identity and affinity with the arts
Read MoreA Ddylai Robotiad Siarad Cymraeg? (Should robots speak Welsh?)
Should robots speak Welsh?
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 - 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 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 MoreDraft budget: Defining moment for Welsh Government
The forthcoming budget is a defining moment for the Welsh Government.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 MoreHorizon Scanning
Should your organisation do it and, if yes, how?
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 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 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.
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.
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