1. Financial transparency Name and contact information of responsible department/team John Nicholson – Financial Strategy Directorate (x42873) Aileen Wright – Financial Management Directorate (x47355) Scott Bell – Scottish Procurement and Commercial Directorate (x40450) Other involved actors Government UK Government (interaction between UK and Scottish Fiscal/Budget processes), Scottish Local Authorities, Scottish Colleges and Universities, and Scottish Government Public Bodies Civil Society, Private Sector Society, Scottish Parliament, Private Sector, Academics Status quo or problem/issue to be addressed The Scottish budget and fiscal environment is changing significantly as a result of the new powers being devolved to Scotland through the 2012 and 2016 Scotland Acts. As a result of the Scottish Government gaining significant tax and borrowing responsibilities, there is growing public and Parliamentary interest in tax policy and how it compares to other parts of the UK, in economic performance which influence tax revenues, in borrowing decisions, and in contractual and spending patterns all of which support public services in Scotland. Main Objective To clearly explain how public finances and provide an accessible presentation of public financial flows into and out of the Scottish Government, including to local authorities, commercial and third sector organisations. We will develop, with partners, ways to provide financial, procurement and commercial information that is coherent, consistent and in a format that is useful and easy to understand for communities, the 3rd sector and citizens. This will include consideration of how national budget information could complement participatory budgeting at local and national levels. Description of Commitment (140 character limit) The Scottish Government will seek to improve the presentation and clarity of the financial, procurement and commercial information it publishes so that members of the public can understand it better. Please describe the way in which this commitment is relevant to further advancing OGP values of access to information, public accountability, civic participation, and technology and innovation for openness and accountability (details above) In delivering this commitment the Scottish Government will advance its commitment to all 4 OGP values of Transparency, Accountability, Participation and Technology & Innovation. The delivery of this commitment will result in the clarity, format and range of publically available information being enhanced, as well as implementing a refreshed set of modern scrutiny and accountability arrangements with the Scottish Parliament around Scottish public sector finances.
Description of Commitment (140 character The development of a robust framework which enables Scotland’s progress towards the SDGs to be measured. Please describe the way in which this commitment is relevant to further advancing OGP values of access to information, public accountability, civic participation, and technology and innovation for openness and accountability (details above) Given the nature and content of the SDGs, the NPF and SNAP, robust measurement of progress address all five of the OPG grand challenges. The NPF is a key tool by which the SG is held to both public and parliamentary scrutiny and accountability. Using these frameworks will ensure that the measure of Scotland’s progress towards the SDGs is open and robust. Verifiable and measurable milestones to fulfil the commitment New or commitment Start Date: End Date: 1. A programme of public, society and stakeholder engagement on the development of a measurement framework New Winter 2016 Framework in place Autumn 2017 3. Deliver a Fairer Scotland Name and contact information of responsible department/team Paul – Head of Social Justice Strategy Karen Armstrong - Policy Officer Other involved actors Government A range of Scottish Government Teams have contributed to the development of the Fairer Scotland Action Plan - Social Justice Strategy Unit, Children and Families, Developing Young Workforce, Housing, Equality and Human Rights, Social Security. Social Justice Strategy have lead responsibility, however. Society, Private Sector The following organisations have pledged support: Carnegie UK Trust Dundee Fairness Partnership Inclusion Scotland Joseph Rowntree Foundation LLoyds TSB Foundation Scotland NHS Health Scotland The Poverty Truth Commission
ensure the right infrastructure and skills are in place across a range of partners to deliver PB successfully and with impact in Scotland. This would include consideration of how community choices might be used to reduce social inequalities, foster innovation, and remove barriers to achieving wellbeing by encouraging the participation of marginalised individuals and under-represented communities. 2. Continue to fund a national support programme for local authorities to include consultancy support, digital engagement tools and an evaluation programme, producing learning resources when necessary and continuing to develop and maintain the PB Scotland website as a hub for sharing practice and learning. 3. Work with stakeholders on a capacity building programme by developing a network of Community Choices practitioners in Scotland, to share learning and develop best practice which will lead to a new cohort of trainers in Scotland. 4. Support community organisations through the community choices fund to help implement and build on local initiatives either independently or in partnership with the local authority. On-going New On-going 2015 Nov 16 June 16 March 2017 2018 March 2018 5. Increasing participation Name and contact information of responsible department/team Doreen Open Government Ingage, Local Government and Communities Along with a number of delivery teams Other involved actors Government Cat Macaulay, Head of User Research and Engagement, Digital Directorate, with a number of delivery teams across SG Alasdair Mckinlay, Head of Community Empowerment, Civil Society, Private Sector Broad range of Public Service Bodies, third sector, private sector and civil society orgs involved in the design and delivery of public services along with the OGP Civil Society Network