The Keeping Wales Safe: Covid Behaviours Programme (KWS) is a Welsh Government funded programme focussed on exploring how to embed a person-centred, collaborative approach to co-design and testing, based on behaviourally informed approaches, that can explore complex place-based challenges.
The research team at Y Lab, in partnership with the Behavioural Insights Team (BIT) and the People Powered Results (PPR) team at Nesta, worked with a range of public servants in Wales to explore how they can be supported to adopt a behavioural insights approach to policy making and policy implementation.
In the first phase, the delivery partners supported three place-based teams to use behavioural approaches to Covid-19 as well as conducting a national trial. In the second phase, we explored what might be necessary to use the approach in other policy areas, supporting two local teams and completing research with civil servants. This page includes links to outputs from both phases of the programme.
Phase One
In 2021, Y Lab conducted an evidence review of self-isolation and risky behaviours. It was designed to help contextualise the challenge for the place-based teams and inform the overall approach of the programme.
PPR led work with three place-based teams aiming to co-design and test interventions to increase Covid-safe behaviours around self-isolation and risk mitigation. We worked with teams in Powys, Gwent and Cwm Taf Morgannwg. A blog and their report into that activity, and the first phase as a whole including the BIT national trial, is available here:
People Powered Results Phase One Report
Phase Two
Y Lab were asked to explore the potential role of behavioural science in Welsh policy and public services beyond Covid-19. We conducted a small-scale research study into the perceived opportunities and barriers to wider adoption of the approach among civil servants.
PPR worked with two place-based teams, in Powys and Rhonnda Cynon Taf, to see how the approach could be applied locally to non-Covid issues. The teams focused on increasing the use of Welsh in the local community and improving community safety at the Royal Welsh Show.