Social security must adapt and re-organise if it is to cope with the demographic, social, economic and culture changes in modern society. It is important that these changes and their knock-on effect for social security are tracked and documented.

These changes also have long-term consequences for intergenerational relations, which contribute significantly to social cohesion, mould social security in a variety of ways, and are in part shaped by social policy measures. The mutual influence of intergenerational relations and social security require in-depth analyses. In addition, projects to design or reposition social policy measures should also take this aspect into account.

Social policy debates increasingly address a number of issues which go beyond the traditional field of social insurance. First and foremost, there is the issue of the entire social security system and the interaction between its different elements (social insurance, cantonal and municipal means-tested benefits, tax system, family allowances, etc.). The second central issue which has recently gained importance is non-monetary benefits (integration measures, day care for children and adolescents etc.). The third concerns the impact of the entire social security system, which touches on subjects such as poverty, redistribution and social integration. Reference documents on these topics should be made available.

All these issues are handled by the Family, Generations and Society (FGS) domain within the FSIO. The FGS also deals with aspects of the social security system which are primarily under cantonal and municipal control. Given that NGOs often play an important role in the implementation of social policy measures, there is a need for coordination and information, which should be provided through specific information media.

The main tasks of the FGS with regard to generational and societal matters are:

• Documenting and tracking societal changes, as well as collating statistics and indicators. It also follows discussions and developments in the EU closely, examines their relevance and whether they require Switzerland to take action.
• Analysing developments in intergenerational relations within families and in society in general and their bearing on the current design of social insurance and social policy. The FGS also assesses the impact of federal legislation revisions on intergenerational relations.
• As part of consultations with the federal offices, the FGS comments on general social policy issues which fall directly within its field of activity. It provides reference documents for parliamentary debates, replies to parliamentary interventions and submits its opinions. The FGS also tracks and documents cantonal developments and discussions. Of particular interest are discussions on the form monetary and non-monetary benefits take, how these are coordinated, and their impact.

• Regular provision of information and updates (to target groups and as needed) on its work and current developments in its field of activity.