Annual Report 2023/24 - Monitoring Progress

The Shetland Partnership monitors a number of ‘outcome indicators’ – facts, figures and evidence that tells us something about what life is like for people in Shetland. These indicators and their baseline level are included in Shetland’s Partnership Plan (Appendix 2, pages 16-20 in the Plan) and the Indicators section of the website. Most of the indicators are updated with new data once a year or every two years; these changes are shared on the website and, annually, in this Report. 

Over the last year, the cost of living crisis has continued, and people in Scotland are being affected by the most severe economic crisis in a generation (Scottish Government 2024). In addition, the impacts of climate change are becoming more severe and widespread as global temperatures rise (Shetland Islands Council 2024). A reducing working age population is also having an impact on businesses and services. 

The indicators have been monitored for over six years. Trends are emerging for some, whilst other indicators do not fully reflect the local situation. There are challenges with certain indicators, either due to: sources showing no updates; the method of data capture changing; or changes in definition out-with the Partnership’s control. The knowledge and experience of partners continues to be crucial to inform interpretation of the data and provide context.  A recent review of indicators has resulted in a ‘Fragility Index’ being added whilst others have been supplemented or removed.