In 2017, I was contacted by Dr Ellie Messham, now Specialist Registrar in Public Health at Public Health Wales, who at the time was writing her Master’s dissertation ‘How Policy makers can take the long view. Analysis of the Development of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015’.
Ellie, like some before her - and many since - who have beaten a path to my door was both fascinated with the concept and potential reach of the act. She decided to interview ten key players on her journey to understand the context and the level of ambition for the legislation. I was delighted to be included in the ten and I remember the interview well. Doctoral and Master’s dissertation students are generally in two categories – those who are interested in the subject and want to explore it theoretically (hopefully all) and those who also want to apply the knowledge in their workplace. Ellie was definitely in the latter category! I’m delighted that the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act helped her achieve her Master’s in Public Health.
With what might seem serendipitous timing, I’m even more delighted that she has just sent me her open access article ‘Taking the Long View: the development of the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015’ co-written by Prof Sally Sheard at the University of Liverpool.
https://health-policy-systems.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12961-020-0534-y
I wanted a substantial piece of work to launch this website so this couldn’t have come at a more opportune time. If other dissertation writers would also like to feature their material, please get in touch. For those setting out on a journey of understanding, Ellie’s article also contains an excellent set of resources. I will leave the last word to her when she said to me that she hoped her work ‘will serve to champion the future generations act and inspire others.’ I hope my book will do the same.