Postgraduate research students

Project title: The development of multi-level wellbeing governance: A comparative analysis of Canada, New Zealand, Scotland and Wales

Over the past decade, there has been a developing interest in and activity around the use of wellbeing as a unifying narrative for governments. Inspired by social, environmental and economic analysts and supported by international organisations, several governments have embarked on substantial changes in how they understand, measure and contribute to social progress. As these endeavours push further into core agendas of governments, traditional framings and siloes of governance are challenged.

This research seeks to understand how four governments (Canada, New Zealand, Scotland and Wales) have developed their approach to wellbeing governance at central and local government levels. It seeks to explore the common principles and practices involved in wellbeing governance, and the barriers and enablers to this paradigm shift.

• Professor Ken Gibb
• Professor Duncan Maclennan