AQO 2041/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 15/05/2025
Answered On Date: 24/06/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether there are any plans to review how data is collected in order to achieve an outcome-based accountability policy approach.

Answer:

An outcomes-based approach is valuable in developing and monitoring the implementation of policy, but other ways of measuring progress are also needed.

We have learnt a great deal about outcome-based approaches over recent years, and an important development in this regard was the Executive’s Programme for Government Wellbeing Framework. The Framework builds on previous work on improving outcomes and wellbeing for all, and covers a combination of social, environmental, economic, and democratic factors, which are considered essential for society to flourish.

When first launched, the framework had 47 indicators, and we’ve since added another four to address gaps that were identified following our engagement with key stakeholders. Work is continuing to add new data, notably to help us identify inequalities across different groups and to add more indicators.

We collaborate with NISRA colleagues to ensure that we have robust, timely and reliable data to inform the work of the whole Executive, as we look to improve wellbeing for everyone living here.