Wellbeing at regional level
Wellbeing is shaped by the places people live, access to opportunities and services, economic conditions, community connections and the wider environment. SHCSA brings those relationships together where a regional view can improve strategic decisions across Steadfast and Hearth.
Building the regional picture
The Authority can use evidence from councils and public bodies to understand patterns that affect more than one local area. That evidence can show how wellbeing relates to employment, skills, movement, infrastructure, communities, culture and investment.
Working with constituent councils
The constituent councils retain the local wellbeing and community functions assigned to them. SHCSA provides the regional layer where councils need to coordinate or where a strategic decision has effects across several council areas.
Working with health, care and other services
Health, care and other public service organisations remain responsible for the services they provide. SHCSA can convene or coordinate those organisations where an issue intersects with the Authority's own strategic functions, but it does not take over clinical or operational decisions.
Wellbeing in wider decisions
Wellbeing is relevant to more than programmes carrying a wellbeing label. Decisions about place, growth, skills, culture, communities and strategic investment can all affect people's opportunities and experience of the region.
The Authority therefore considers wellbeing evidence where it is relevant to the decision being taken and to any legal or policy requirements that apply.
Programmes and outcomes
Where SHCSA approves a wellbeing-related programme, the decision identifies the intended outcome, delivery responsibilities, costs, dependencies and the way progress will be assessed. Performance reporting distinguishes what activity has taken place from whether the intended outcome is being achieved.
Engagement and accountability
Residents and community organisations can provide evidence about barriers and lived experience that may not be visible in administrative data. Consultation material explains what is open to influence and how responses will be used. Formal decisions and approved reports are published through the Authority's normal governance routes.