Approaches to rural proofing: review report

Highlights

Why was the research needed?

This report outlines the findings of a high-level review of international approaches to rural proofing, to support work to develop a rural policy approach in Scotland.

Rural proofing can be defined as ‘reviewing policies through a rural lens, to make these policies fit for purpose for those who live and work in rural areas.’^[1]

In Scotland, around a fifth (17%) of the population live in rural areas.^[2] The Scottish Government has taken a rural mainstreaming approach since the introduction of the National Performance Framework. In 2023, the Scottish Government made a commitment to apply a rural lens to all ongoing policies, and to publish a Rural Delivery Plan by 2026.^[3]

What did we do?

We reviewed policy documents and guidance from nine countries, focusing on documents that are available in English, readily accessible online and published within the last 5 years. Each of the case studies includes, where available: the definition of rural proofing used; a summary of the approach and accompanying guidance; and links to specific tools, for example questionnaires.

Whilst this report also references a number of relevant and recent reports on this topic, it did not involve a systematic review of academic literature.

What did we learn?

• A number of countries have developed their own approaches to rural proofing, however this process has been critiqued for being a ‘tick box’ exercise, and there is a wider lack of evidence and reporting on its impact;
• In some places, the rural proofing process appears to have been simplified since its introduction, with a number of countries stating that the level of work required by policy makers should be proportionate to the potential scale and significance of the relevant policy in rural areas;
• Developing a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to ensure that policies work as intended in rural areas is important, as is considering appropriate mechanisms to gather feedback, ensure openness and scrutiny;
• It is important that rural stakeholders are kept informed about the purpose and value of the rural proofing process.

How should rural proofing guidance be designed?

• Guidance documents should begin with a clear definition of what rural proofing means in the given context, and an explanation of its aims and purpose;
• Guidance documents should also include a statement of the relevant organisation or government’s wider commitment to, or a vision for, rural areas;
• Guidance and tools should be written from a rural perspective, avoiding terms such as ‘remote’ or language that ties into an implication that rural areas lack what urban areas have;
• Practical advice on stakeholder engagement in rural areas should be given;
• A summary of key rural data and information should be included to give a ‘picture’ of rural areas, for example in terms of health, transport or education;
• A visual diagram or flow-chart of the rural proofing process should be provided;
• The review or approval process should be clearly explained, and any further expectations in terms of the provision of monitoring and evaluation data;
• A number (e.g. 3-4) of case studies should be given as practical examples;
• Questionnaires should be written in Plain English, with a short list of prompts (for example, questions to ask, key principles or stages to follow);
• Guidance and tools should be tested with potential user groups, particularly those less familiar with rural issues, who can provide helpful feedback on the accessibility of the documents and how long the process takes.

What happens now?

The findings and recommendations outlined in this report will inform work to develop an approach to rural policy for use by policy makers in Scotland.