Well-being of Future Generations Act 2015
Welsh legislation requiring public sector to consider long-term wellbeing impacts; affects how Welsh public sector evaluates procurement.
Definition
The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 is Welsh legislation requiring public sector bodies to consider long-term wellbeing impacts in their decisions, including procurement. The Act sets seven well-being goals (prosperous Wales, resilient Wales, healthier Wales, more equal Wales, cohesive communities, vibrant culture and Welsh language, globally responsible Wales) and five ways of working (long-term, prevention, integration, collaboration, involvement). Welsh public sector procurement increasingly evaluates supplier contributions to these goals alongside the standard social value framework.
How it works in practice
The Act applies to specified Welsh public sector bodies: Welsh Government, NHS Wales, local authorities, fire and rescue authorities, and various agency bodies. Procurement is one of the principal mechanisms through which these bodies deliver against the wellbeing goals: every above-threshold procurement should consider how the contract supports the goals and how the supplier will contribute. Bid responses for Welsh public sector contracts increasingly include sections evidencing supplier contribution to the wellbeing goals: explicit mapping of bid commitments to the seven goals, evidence of past contribution to similar outcomes, and named delivery responsible. The Future Generations Commissioner publishes annual reports on progress and provides guidance to public sector bodies on applying the Act in practice including procurement. Welsh public sector procurement runs in parallel with the broader UK regulatory framework (PCR 2015 / PA 2023, PPN 002 social value) but adds the Welsh wellbeing layer. Suppliers should treat the wellbeing dimension as a distinct evaluation area in Welsh public sector bids; mapping social value commitments through the wellbeing goal taxonomy strengthens bid response in this jurisdiction.
Common questions
Does the Act apply to all Welsh public sector procurement?
It applies to specified Welsh public sector bodies (Welsh Government, NHS Wales, local authorities, fire and rescue, and various agency bodies). Procurement run by these bodies should consider the wellbeing goals. The Act does not impose specific procurement procedures but affects how procurement decisions and evaluation criteria are designed.
How do I evidence Wellbeing of Future Generations Act compliance in a bid?
Map your bid commitments explicitly to the seven goals (prosperous, resilient, healthier, more equal, cohesive, vibrant culture, globally responsible). Evidence past contributions to similar outcomes. Name delivery responsible. Treat the wellbeing dimension as a distinct evaluation area alongside (not duplicating) the broader social value framework.
Does the Act apply alongside the Procurement Act 2023?
Yes. PA 2023 applies in Wales to in-scope procurement; the Wellbeing Act adds Welsh-specific evaluation expectations that operate within PA 2023 framework. Welsh public sector bidders need to be familiar with both. Welsh Government publishes integrated guidance covering both.