91Ö±²¥

Which wellbeing indicators have been successfully measured, validated and applied in population settings? And how do different indicators apply at various stages of life?

The problem:

Despite widespread recognition of the importance of measuring wellbeing, significant debate remains over how to define and assess it effectively. In 2017, the NSW Human Services Outcomes Framework was developed, prompting the search for suitable indicators to support its implementation.

Our research:

• Identified the evidence base for developing indicators within the NSW Human Services Outcomes Framework.
• Examined international and Australian wellbeing frameworks including those from the OECD, ONS, ABS, and AIHW to assess commonly used indicators.
• Evaluated the quality, reliability and availability of data for NSW and assessed the usability of indicators to support the wellbeing framework. This research was funded by the NSW Department of Family and Community Services (FACS) and commissioned by the Sax Institute.

Our impact:

• Supported the NSW Government in selecting and developing indicators to implement the Human Services Outcomes Framework.
• Provided a robust evidence base to assess whether interventions achieve their intended outcomes and improve wellbeing.
• Informed policy design and service reform, with the report translated into a policy action note by NSW Family and Community Services.

The insights gained from our research offered the Department a rich resource to inform the measurement of wellbeing for better services policy design and reform.