Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015: A Guide for Businesses

Why should private businesses pay attention to the Well‑being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015?

In 2015, Wales made history by becoming the first country in the world to legally embed the rights of future generations into national legislation. The United Nations now actively uses the Welsh model as a blueprint for other nations. While the Act’s primary mandates apply to 44 public bodies, including the government and the NHS, private businesses in Wales are strongly encouraged to align their corporate strategies with the seven wellbeing goals.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that align their practices with the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 demonstrate leadership within their communities, enhance their long-term resilience and reputation, and ultimately have a greater positive impact across Wales.

For example, Wales & West Utilities is voluntarily implementing the principles to demonstrate its corporate social responsibility, integrating these goals into its 2023 Sustainability Strategy and mapping its activities to deliver sustained social value.

Private businesses can begin their alignment journey by implementing these three recommended strategies:

Strategy 1: Align Voluntarily with Wellbeing Goals

Businesses can align their strategies with wellbeing goals. This can help them to set objectives that contribute to the economic, social, environmental and cultural wellbeing of Wales.

Strategy 2: Utilise the Business Toolkit

Businesses can integrate the free, practical business planning toolkit found on the Welsh Government website into their operations. This resource helps businesses set targets, plan actions, measure progress and report their impact.

Strategy 3: Engage with the Public and Voluntary Sectors

Businesses can collaborate with the public and voluntary sectors to demonstrate their commitment to wellbeing goals. Collaboration with other businesses can enhance the impact of their contributions and foster a more sustainable future for Wales.

Benefits for Welsh Businesses

By proactively aligning their strategies with the Well‑being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, private businesses in Wales can demonstrate social responsibility by contributing to the nation’s sustainable development and helping to build a prosperous, resilient and equitable Wales for current and future generations.

Discover the future of green governance in Wales. Click here to watch the full video on YouTube!

Seeking assistance to align your business’s social responsibility practices with the criteria of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act?

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How Does the Well-being of Future Generations Act Affect Welsh Businesses?

Joyce & Sustainability