An outcomes framework to provide common direction, focused efforts and meaningful measurement
Outcomes are clear statements that define what long-term success looks like for people and communities. It will be used to drive collective effort towards achieving a common goal. The framework will comprise of three components: an outcomes map, a data improvement plan, and a monitoring and reporting plan.
The Outcomes Framework is critical to providing a collective approach to measuring outcomes that matter to people in suicide prevention
The measurement of progress in suicide prevention is currently focused on tracking trends in population-wide suicide rates and monitoring the implementation of suicide prevention activities. This leaves a significant gap in our understanding of the impact and effectiveness of the suicide prevention system. The Outcomes Framework aims to measure success over time. It will introduce measurable outcomes that are person focused, providing greater insight into the pathways to suicide and the impact of prevention efforts. It will contribute to reducing suicidal distress, attempts and lives lost to suicide by enabling meaningful and transparent reporting of progress, providing nuanced understanding of the efficacy of efforts, and informing planning and policy decisions to advance impact.
Alignment with the National Suicide Prevention Strategy
The Outcomes Framework will align with the direction of national efforts as set out in the draft Advice on the National Suicide Prevention Strategy (the Strategy). The Strategy provides a model with actions to follow by governments, service providers and communities to achieve an effective suicide prevention system. The Outcomes Framework translates the model into people-centred outcomes, describing the impact we’re trying to achieve, and how to measure whether we are succeeding in reducing distress and lives lost to suicide.
Development process
The development of the Outcomes Framework will occur through close collaboration with key stakeholders and broad consultation. The NSPO will work with people with lived experience of suicide and communities that are disproportionately impacted by suicide, seek input from researchers, academics, policy makers, suicide prevention collectives, service providers. The NSPO will engage with and across governments to draw input into the development process and ensure an aligned approach across portfolios and jurisdictions. As well as work closely with Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia throughout the development process to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership is clearly reflected. Incorporating First Nations perspectives will be critical in developing an Outcomes Framework that reflects meaningful outcomes across the population. The team will also engage people with specific technical expertise, NSPO’s Advisory Board and Lived Experience Partnership group on the development of the Outcomes Framework.
Current progress
- The Outcomes Map and Framework Logic are being designed with input from stakeholders.
- The NSPO is using a mix of both quantitative data and information from people with lived and living experience to understand the data we currently have, and the data we need to effectively measure against suicide prevention outcomes. This will form the basis of the data improvement plan and the monitoring and reporting plan.
- The NSPO will continue to develop the Outcomes Framework structure in parallel with these development activities.
Intended timeline
The draft Outcomes Framework is proposed for public consultation by early 2026. With the final version is due to be presented to government for release and implementation by mid-2026.
How to get involved
It is important that we hear from a broad range of people with diverse views to strengthen the Outcomes Framework so that it is ready for broader public consultation. To register to be kept informed of the development of the Outcomes Framework and the work of the National Suicide Prevention Office visit: National Suicide Prevention Office | Have Your Say - National Mental Health Commission
Development of the National Suicide Prevention Outcomes Framework
