"Being creative and innovative in the delivery of public services - working from evidence, and taking managed risks to achieve better outcomes."

Thinking creatively, with a willingness to try something new, experimenting with new modes of delivery - really good organisations are open to new ideas and are prepared to be creative, to try things and to take managed risks in the process.

Organisations which are fostering innovative delivery will:

• Be able to show how they encourage innovation as an integral part of their business;
• Be able to describe things which they have tried which have worked successfully, and which they have then built upon; and things which haven't worked but have contributed to learning;
• Use evidence as a matter of course in formulating their policies and strategies;
• Have a risk management system which is a reflection of how they go about the business of managing risk, rather than be a self-enclosed process;
• Be discerning in their risk appetite, according to the circumstances, and neither reckless not timid in their approach.

The new NHS in Wales establishes a more strategic relationship between the NHS nationally and local NHS bodies which will encourage innovation in the development and delivery of services:

• The NHS nationally defines required outcomes within a clear performance management, standards and financial framework, and local NHS bodies are given the freedom to determine how to achieve those outcomes (within the local context) and the responsibility to deliver on them;
• A new performance management framework is being developed to introduce a more holistic approach across all areas of activity with a strong focus on meeting both quality and financial standards. These new arrangements will also seek to remove any perverse incentives arising from the differences within the performance frameworks of community and public sector partners;
• Alongside this, a revised financial framework will encourage a longer term focus on delivery;
• Boards at all levels will be given the freedom to exercise control over their activities within an improved incentives and interventions framework which enables bodies to take well managed risks alongside a clear responsibility to notify the Assembly Government of significant problems. The Assembly Government will in turn be free to exercise control through strong censure, intervention and other measures where local bodies are underperforming and at risk of failing to deliver on expected benefits.

These pages will provide you with further information on these areas, signposting you to current requirements, e.g., research, or the collection and use of data and information, together with the latest good practice guidance.