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Reykjavík City Welfare Policy
Reykjavík - For Everyone
The Reykjavík City Welfare Policy sets a framework for an ambitious welfare service. Its aim is to enhance quality of life, support dignity for all residents of Reykjavík, and ensure that Reykjavík truly serves everyone. The policy is effective until 2030. It also includes a detailed action plan until 2025.
Welfare Policy foundation
Guidance in welfare services
Our welfare service provides diverse services to individuals and families, prioritizing preventive measures, cultural sensitivity, and human rights. The Welfare Policy serves as a guiding tool in this crucial service, for both residents and welfare staff.
Future vision of the Policy
In Reykjavík, welfare services contribute to the wellbeing of residents. We envision a Reykjavík for everyone.
Role of the Welfare Department
The Welfare Department boosts the quality of life for each Reykjavík resident by being proactive and addressing the varying needs of individuals and families for welfare services.
- Reykjavík City Welfare Policy – Icelandic
- Reykjavík City Welfare Policy – English
- Welfare Policy Action Plan
About the Welfare Policy creation
The Policy was approved by City Council on June 15, 2021.
The process of creating this Policy spanned nearly two years. The decision to develop a comprehensive welfare service policy was taken at the Welfare Council meeting on September 20, 2019. Extensive and detailed consultations were held with residents, staff, collaborators, and elected representatives.
Implementation and maintenance
The Welfare Policy, its emphases, and action plan, are being systematically implemented within the Welfare Department. The Department's executive board, composed of key administrators, will act as a steering group for the Policy's implementation. The Action Plan's progress will be assessed twice a year, and the Plan itself will be reviewed annually.
Key focuses in the Welfare Policy
1. Every individual is unique
The foundation of Reykjavík City's welfare service is recognizing that every individual is unique. This approach ensures that everyone's needs are evaluated on their own merits, and the diagnosis, solutions, and services are tailored to each person. Special consideration is given to residents in need of welfare services, taking into account factors such as family and local surroundings.
This approach is particularly important in the diverse society of Reykjavík.
2. Accessibility and proximity
Our welfare services are accessible and close at hand for those who need them.
Residents should be able to access information and services where and when it suits them.
Our system is designed to be simple, shaped by the needs of the users.
3. Service quality and efficiency
Welfare services are complex and varied. It's crucial that they're organized in a user-friendly, comprehensive, and efficient manner where each service element plays a clear, vital role.
The expertise and initiative of our staff are key to providing excellent welfare services. We strive to provide effective, high-quality service by upholding quality standards and procedures.
User participation is prioritized in service planning and implementation. Strong partnerships with collaborators both within and outside of Reykjavík City are emphasized.
4. Respect and care
Services aimed at promoting health and happiness should be characterized by empathy, care, and most importantly, respect for the individual.
No one is given up on, and self-help is encouraged.
This focus manifests in our organization, management, and human interactions.
5. Proactivity and prevention
Reykjavík City's welfare service emphasizes prevention.
The service is based on preventative measures where reliable information and indications are used for prevention.
If statistical analysis or information suggests intervention is required for individuals or groups, our staff takes the initiative.
6. Communication and consultation
Responsiveness to people's diverse needs is key to trust in our City's welfare service.
We emphasize regular and purposeful communication and consultation with various, well-defined stakeholders, users, and other residents.
7. Professionalism and vision
It's important that professional and forward-thinking staff work in our welfare services, collaborating for successful solutions in line with the latest knowledge and technology.
The role of our staff is to meet the varied needs of our users and thereby enhance their quality of life.
We support our staff's initiative and provide opportunities for them to grow and flourish in their work. Interdisciplinary cooperation and increased specialization of our staff are key factors to achieve our goals.
Inquiries and suggestions
For inquiries, you can email Dís Sigurgeirsdóttir, the Office Manager, at dis.sigurgeirsdottir@reykjavik.is.