National Performance Framework

The Scottish Government measures its progress in achieving its ambitions for Scotland through the National Performance Framework (NPF).

The framework sets out an overall purpose, 5 Strategic Objectives to focus actions, and 16 National Outcomes to achieve. Progress towards these goals is tracked using 55 National Indicators

The overall purpose of the Scottish Government

Creating a more successful country, with opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish, through increasing sustainable economic growth.

Our contribution to the NPF

We lead on reporting against three Scottish Government National Indicators:

• NI44: Improve the condition of protected nature sites
• NI45: Increase the abundance of terrestrial breeding birds
• NI46: Increase Natural Capital

We also contribute data and support to two other National Indicators:

• NI43: Increase people’s use of Scotland’s outdoors
• NI48: Reduce Scotland’s carbon footprint

National Outcomes

Our work – helping to deliver well-managed natural assets – also directly affects the delivery of at least 7 of the 16 National Outcomes.

National Outcomes affected by the delivery of our corporate plan are:

• We live in a Scotland that is the most attractive place for doing business in Europe.
• We live longer, healthier lives.
• We live in well-designed, sustainable places where we are able to access the amenities and services we need.
• We have strong, resilient and supportive communities where people take responsibility for their own actions and how they affect others.
• We value and enjoy our built and natural environment and protect it and enhance it for future generations.
• We reduce the local and global environmental impact of our consumption and production.
• Our public services are high quality, continually improving, efficient and responsive to local people’s needs.

The health of natural ecosystems also underpins other National Outcomes for a range of reasons:

• Protecting and enhancing local habitats and landscapes through positive management allows people to value and enjoy nature in their neighbourhoods.
• A high quality environment makes a direct contribution to everyone’s quality of life.
• It increases the viability of primary industries such as farming, forestry and fisheries.
• It enhances mental health and well-being.
• Volunteering to carry out this work helps to build stronger communities and develop individuals’ skills.
• The physical activity involved also contributes to health outcomes and high quality local environments.
• A good quality environment encourages more visits to the outdoors and provides opportunities for investment.
• Good quality nature and landscapes also provide a local curriculum resource for schools.

As these outcomes emerge, they also reinforce other outcomes in tourism, enterprise and health.