Culture Counts Response to the Wellbeing and Sustainable Development (Scotland) Bill
Blog from Evelyn Chong, Culture Counts’ Communication and Engagement Manager
We are supportive of the development of a Wellbeing and Sustainable Development (Scotland) Bill; however, we would like to see culture represented as key to the future of sustainability and wellbeing. Culture can play a significant role in influencing attitudes, behaviours, values, and practices that contribute to individual and collective well-being, as well as sustainable development outcomes.
Given the wide remit of this Bill, we have chosen to prioritise a single, actionable recommendation to strengthen the Bill and ensure that it reflects the diversity of identity and power of creativity within Scotland: that the Bill integrate “culture” into the statutory definition of wellbeing in Part 1, Section 3 (1). This aligns closely with the ambitions of Scotland’s National Performance Framework, and A Culture Strategy for Scotland.
1. Do you think that more needs to be done to embed sustainable development and wellbeing as primary considerations into public policymaking? Please tell us why.
We support the creation and development of the Wellbeing and Sustainable Development Bill as a positive step towards embedding sustainable development and wellbeing as primary considerations into public policymaking.
The Bill could be strengthened by incorporating culture into the definition of wellbeing in Part 1, Section 3 (1), closing gaps in the definition and recognising the important role of culture in promoting wellbeing and knitting together our understandings of the past and present with our hopes and ambitions for the future.
The duties outlined in the Wellbeing and Sustainable Development Bill should recognise the crucial role of community-based and grassroots organisations, especially those in the arts, heritage, and creative industries, in driving local initiatives and solutions to promote well-being and sustainable development.
2. What is your view on the policy objectives of the Bill, as set out in the Policy Memorandum?
We endorse the aim of the Bill to support Scotland’s Just Transition to Net Zero by fostering sustainable development and wellbeing across the public sector.
We also support the three main strands that the Member considers as its policy objectives:
Establishing statutory definitions of the terms “sustainable development” and “wellbeing”;
Imposing a statutory duty on public bodies to consider wellbeing and sustainable development in the exercise of their functions; and
Creating the office of the Future Generations Commissioner for Scotland.
We appreciate the Bill’s focus on long term, sustainable goals, and feel that considering Culture within the Bill is essential to this goal, and that this should be explicitly recognised in the Bill itself.
Our view is that economic, social and environmental dimensions—especially social—are largely impacted by culture; therefore, there should be a consideration of culture embedded within the Bill in order to achieve holistic outcomes.
3. Which of the following best expresses your view on section 1, which requires public bodies to have due regard for the need to promote wellbeing and sustainable development?
We broadly support the requirement for public bodies to have due regard for the need to promote wellbeing and sustainable development.
However, we recommend considering the challenges and barriers that public bodies may face in the implementation phase (such as funding, resources, capacity, etc.).
The duty should recognise the crucial role of community-based and grassroots organisations in driving local initiatives and solutions to promote well-being and sustainable development. Providing support, resources, and recognition to these organisations could empower communities to take ownership of their well-being and contribute to broader sustainability goals.
We feel that the legal duty should establish accountability mechanisms to ensure that public authorities fulfil their obligations and responsibilities – including reporting, monitoring, evaluation, and enforcement.
4. What is your view on the definition of “public body” (in section 17(2))? Is there a need for statutory definitions of wellbeing, and sustainable development?
We support a statutory definition of wellbeing and sustainable development.
5. What is your view on the definition of “sustainable development” (in section 2)?
We support the definition of sustainable development as “development that improves wellbeing in the present without compromising the wellbeing of future generations”.
We feel that there is an opportunity to recognise how important culture can be in promoting and achieving sustainable development. While this doesn’t necessitate altering the definition of “sustainable development”, it may be helpful to consider these opportunities within the policy objectives or at the implementation stage, such as:
Culture can promote sustainable development by raising awareness of environmental issues, encouraging sustainable practices, and fostering a sense of stewardship towards natural, built, and cultural heritage. Scotland’s cultural sector is overwhelmingly committed to environmental sustainability and seeking innovative solutions to net zero.
Cultural initiatives that focus on environmental themes, such as eco-art installations or environmental storytelling performances, raise awareness about environmental issues, ignite the imagination about a range of possible futures, and promote sustainable practices.
Cultural heritage sites, such as castles or historic landmarks, contribute to sustainable tourism, enable public engagement and generate economic benefits while preserving Scotland’s cultural and natural heritage.
6. What is your view on the definition of “wellbeing” (in section 3)?
We recommend that the Bill add culture as one of the policy areas with a significant impact on wellbeing and sustainable development, and that culture be woven into the definition of wellbeing in Part 1, Section 3 (1).
A ‘wellbeing’ definition should include multiple definitions such as physical health, mental health, social and economic security, environmental quality, cultural access etc. This is mostly addressed within the definition of wellbeing; however, there is no specific reference to culture.
Cultural engagement, participation, and creative expression can enhance individual and community well-being. Cultural activities, such as arts, music, and festivals, contribute to improved mental health, social connectedness, and overall quality of life. Tailored creative programmes are proven to complement medical interventions in addressing specific health conditions such as Parkinsons, addiction / recovery, long Covid and dementia. Scotland hosted the Healing Arts conference in 2024, at which the Scottish Government’s Chief Medical Officer cited as an illustration of “how the arts might help us reimagine our national model of health and social care in a way that can measurably impact communities”.
This would align with one of the aims of A Culture Strategy for Scotland, which is to “place culture as a central consideration across all policy areas, including: health and wellbeing, economy, education, reducing inequality and realising a greener and more innovative future”.
Additionally, it would be useful to include measurable indicators or criteria that can help assess and evaluate wellbeing outcomes. Cultural indicators could serve as part of the measurement frameworks.
7. Which of the following best expresses your view on section 4, which establishes a Future Generations Commissioner?
We agree that Scotland should establish an independent Commissioner for Future Generations.
Like the Welsh model, establishing an independent Commissioner for Future Generations in Scotland could play a crucial role in increasing accountability, scrutiny, and support for decision-making by advocating for long-term interests, providing oversight and guidance, monitoring progress, advocating for legal rights, fostering collaboration, and promoting public awareness and engagement.
8. Do you have views on the general function (as set out in section 5), powers, structure, and duties of the Commissioner?
We generally feel that the function as described in 5(2)(a-f) is clear and comprehensive for the purposes of the bill.
The proposed Commissioner role would support the aims of A Culture Strategy for Scotland which include the aim to “develop the conditions and skills for culture to thrive, so it is cared for, protected and produced for the enjoyment and enrichment of all present and future generations”.
As part of the Future Generations Commissioner’s duties, we suggest that they address:
health and socio-economic inequalities.
community wellbeing and social cohesion by promoting social and cultural policies that strengthen social connections, support community engagement, and nurture the Scotland’s diverse populations.
We also recommend that the Commissioner collaborate with arts and culture organisations who are already focused on raising awareness about the importance of considering wellbeing and future generations. This could lead to greater understanding and support for sustainable practices and policies.
9. Taking account of the Bill’s Financial Memorandum, what is your view on the financial implications (i.e. likely costs and savings) of the Bill?
We feel it is important to recognise that policies relating to sustainable development will typically have a higher upfront cost, and the potential for savings will likely follow much later as Scotland benefits from long term sustainable development. This does not mean that these policies are not essential to the preservation of Scotland’s environment and culture, but it does require careful consideration and planning regarding budgets.
There may be a requirement for additional resources, including staff time, training, and funding, to ensure effective implementation particularly on times of budgetary constraints.
10. Do you have any other comments about the Bill?
We recommend that the bill include culture as a key policy area where decisions have significant impacts on well-being and sustainable development.
The Bill could promote cultural diplomacy and collaboration as strategies for advancing well-being and sustainable development goals internationally. It could support cultural exchange programs, partnerships, and collaborations that promote mutual understanding, intercultural dialogue, and solidarity among diverse cultures and communities.
We are pleased to support the Wellbeing and Sustainable Development Bill and are committed to a just and sustainable future for Scotland. We feel that the positive changes required to realise this vision will only work in collaboration with, and in respect of, Scotland’s cultural diversity. Scotland is a country with rich history and traditions. A Wellbeing and Sustainable Development Bill that complements and utilises these existing cultural assets will strengthen its policy objectives and implementation strategies and ensure that Scotland’s rich culture and heritage are preserved and protected for generations to come.