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Public affairs

Kela engages in public affairs work to contribute to the development of a social security system that supports our customers and provides value to society.

Our public affairs work promotes

  • the development of the services we provide to our customers
  • the implementation of benefits legislation and benefits
  • the development of legislation that pertains to Kela’s research operations and administration.

Kela’s management and experts engage in purposeful dialogue with key decision-makers and other entities to ensure the successful implementation of our strategy and core mission. We also actively anticipate changes in our operating environment and the direction in which society and legislation are developing. In accordance with the Act on the Social Insurance Institution, Kela must submit proposals on the development of legislation that applies to its field of operation.

Kela’s public affairs work supports knowledge-based decision-making

Kela has an established status as a source of reliable information on the implementation of social security and the life situations of our customers. Kela provides legislators with information and data based on

  • research
  • calculations
  • the operations of Kela’s administrative bodies
  • engagement in social debate.

Kela’s experts participate in several working groups tasked with the development of social security and other ministerial background work.

Kela’s Info Tray (tietotarjotin.fi) brings together the research and statistics produced by Kela. These can be used, for example, in decision-making. Kela’s experts meet with decision-makers and bring up proposals on legislative development that address topical issues at these meetings. Our annual organisation workshop also functions as an important platform for dialogue between various experts. Statements issued by Kela are widely cited in not only parliamentary committee reports and Parliament’s plenary sessions but also in the media.

Kela engages in the social debate also by organising Aamu Kelassa (Morning Talk at Kela, Youtube) events on current topics. Each Kela employee plays a role in our public affairs work as a companion in our customers’ daily lives and as a promoter of dialogue and trust.

Our public affairs policies support legislative development

Kela’s public affairs work is guided by the following principles:

  1. Our public affairs work contributes to our efforts to achieve our strategic vision for the future and to implement our strategy.
  2. Our foresight measures, research and innovations are important components of our public affairs work.
  3. We engage in our public affairs work transparently and responsibly, and we plan, develop and assess all public affairs measures in a systematic manner.
  4. We conduct our public affairs work in collaboration with other entities to make an impact that brings us closer to achieving common goals.
  5. We engage in systematic communications to support our public affairs work.
Last modified 17/4/2025