Alberta’s Social Policy Framework Board Voices

November 23, 2013

Presentation Outline

Background and Context

Engagement & Lessons Learned

Framework Content

A Framework for Action

Background and Context

Investing in Families & Communities

Mandate to the Minister of Human Services:Work with other ministries, non-profits,

communities, and the private sector to develop a social policy framework

that will guide the alignment and redesign of social policy and programs

to achieve better outcomes for Albertans

Why now?

Time for Review

Alberta has not had a refreshed

social policy framework for decades

Complexity

As our population has grown in size and complexity, so has our system of supports

A Growing Gap

Rising income

disparity diminishes

social cohesion and limits equality of

opportunity

Changing Expectation

s

Rapid changes in technology

have created an

expectation that

services be portable,

user-driven, and simple

Sustainability Challenges

Upward pressures

on the cost and types of services required by Albertans

Framework Purpose

Clarify• Outcomes• Roles and Responsibilities

Coordinate• Activities• Policy Consistency and Alignment

Influence• Provide overall direction to planning

and decision-making

Engagement & Lessons Learned

Engagement ApproachNetwork Mobilization

Community Conversations

Broad Reach Focused Engagement

Open Information Citizen-as-Editor

Speak. Share. Thrive. socialpolicy.alberta.ca

CommunityConversationsby LocationJune – November 2012

socialpolicy.alberta.ca/Engagement_Results

Lessons Learned

Match Tools to Context

Use methods and tools that suit

your context (i.e., not everyone needs a

wiki)

Leverage Existing

Relationships to Move Faster,

FartherPeople are willing to work on

projects that affect them

Ask for help

You don’t have to

know all the answers to

ask the questions

Remember Your Staff

Staff involvement is integral to success

Not Everyone Speaks your

Language

Be clear and use

plain language

Do not over-

estimate comfort

with Web 2.0 tools

More Lessons Learned

Engage Early and Often

People want to

participate in policy

development

Ownership requires

involvement

Be Open – Share

Transparency builds

trust

Close the Feedback Loop

Show people

what you did with

their input, and tell

them why you did it

Managing Input: Have a Plan

Expect to get a wide range of

feedback, in a wide range of formats

Critical Success Factors

Everyone was committed to listening

We asked for help

Leadership believed that process was as important as product

We were prepared to support people to engage in the process

Framework Content

Framework Components

Statement of Goals

Vision for the Future

Identified Desired Outcomes

List of Key Principles

Described Roles and Responsibilities

GoA Transformational Initiatives

Social Policy Goals

Reduce Inequality

Protect Vulnerable

People

Create a Person-Centred

System of High

Quality Services

Enable Collaboratio

n and Partnership

s

Our Vision for Social Policy

In Alberta, everyone contributes to making our communities inclusive and welcoming. Everyone has opportunities to fulfill their potential and to benefit from our thriving social, economic, and cultural life.

Outcomes for Albertans

Safe: free from fear of abuse and violence

Healthy: highest standard of health and well-being

Secure & Resilient: safe career and work opportunities, with access to income supports when in need

Lifelong Learners: develop knowledge, skills, and commitment to learning

Included: feel welcomed in communities where they live, learn, and work

Active & Engaged: opportunities to participate in recreational activities and cultural experiences, and to engage in society

System & Delivery Outcomes

Aligned • Policy is aligned across program areas so that tools & supports work together

Balanced• Programs and services balance

prevention and intervention, support the whole person, and recognize strengths and needs

Accessible• Albertans can access and benefit from

cohesive, flexible, timely, and informed services

Accountable & Sustainable

• Social programs and services are results-oriented and transparent

Complementary• Roles are complementary, balanced,

and work together to achieve outcomes

Social Policy Principles

Dignity People First

Healthy, Strong Relationships

Mutual Responsibility

Inclusion Proactive

CollaborationAccountable

Roles & Responsibilities

Individuals

Governments

Policy ShiftsMORE• Policy balances

prevention and intervention

• Policy supports citizens (resources and competencies)

• Government is an influencer, convener, partner

• Social policy emphasizes integration and coordination

• Policy is a tool to empower, facilitate, create opportunity

• Focus on outcomes, quality, values, and dignity

LESS• Policy and delivery are

often crisis-oriented• Policy addresses

symptoms and deficiencies

• Government is a service provider, funder, legislator

• Social policy is viewed as silos of need and service

• Policy is a tool to control and regulate behaviour

• Focus on inputs and rules

A Framework for Action

A Living Framework

So, we have a framework…Now what?

Clarify Roles

Coordinate Action on Transformational InitiativesIdentify Ways to Monitor and Evaluate Progress

Continue Dialogue

Using the Framework

Government of Alberta

Transformational Initiatives

Results-Based Budgeting

Transforming Service Delivery

Transforming Relationships

Legislative Reviews

Others

Strategic Planning

Priority Setting

Engagement

Service Delivery

Transformational Initiatives

Early Childhood Development

Results-Based Budgeting

Poverty Reduction Strategy

Partner with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities

Common Service Access Safe Communities

Primary Health Care Initiatives

Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness

Together We Raise Tomorrow

26

Alberta’s Social Policy Framework

Alberta’s Children’s Charter

Alberta’s Poverty Reduction Strategy

Alberta Approach to Early Childhood Development

Program and Service Delivery

Results Based Budgeting

Relevant Effective Efficient

Results Based Budgeting Program Review

Outcomes, Principles, Policy Shifts, and

Roles

Alignment with Social Policy Framework

Programs that support better outcomes for Albertans

Transforming Service Delivery

Improved Service

Delivery

Transforming Relationships

Effective Engagement

with Albertans

Family & Community Engagement

Councils

Shared Responsibility for

Improved Outcomes

Strengthened Cross-Ministry Collaboration

Framework in Action

Alberta’s Social Policy Framework is used as…

A Lens

Strategic Planning Tool

Priority Setting Tool

A Model for Engagement

Common Language and Vision

Renew Focus on Innovation and Collaboration

Thank You