Contracting for Change: Contracts in Health, Social Care, and Other Local Government Services / Edition 1

by Kieron Walsh, Nicholas Deakin, Paula Smith, Peter Spurgeon, Neil Thomas

Overview

What are the implications of the contract culture and its introduction into Britain's public services, for both the providers and users of services? The authors compare and contrast local government, health, and social care services, arguing that these changes involve a fundamental break with past understandings of public services management. This new study, based on original research in the field, examines the situation on the ground and identifies the prospects for future action.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780198289456
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	10/09/1997
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	6.40(w) x 9.30(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Nicholas Deakin is Professor of Social Policy and Administration, University of Birmingham. He has been Private Secretary to Minister of State 1962-3; Head of Central Policy Unit, GLC, 1972-80; Scientific Advisor, Department of Health, 1986-91; Vice-Chairman, Social Affairs Committee, ESRC, 1984-6; Chair, Social Policy Association, 1989-92.

Table of Contents

PrefaceIntroduction1. The Experience of Change in the UK Public Service2. Understanding the Process of Public Service Management Change3. The Introduction of Contracts4. The Research Investigation5. Structures for and of Contracting6. Markets7. Managing Contracts8. The Context of Change9. The Contract Revolution: The International Experience10. ConclusionAppendix 1: Analysing ContractsAppendix 2: AttitudesReferencesPrefaceIntroduction1. The Experience of Change in the UK Public Service2. Understanding the Process of Public Service Management Change3. The Introduction of Contracts4. The Research Investigation5. Structures for and of Contracting6. Markets7. Managing Contracts8. The Context of Change9. The Contract Revolution: The International Experience10. ConclusionAppendix 1: Analysing ContractsAppendix 2: AttitudesReferences

Editorial Reviews

Social scientists from the University of Birmingham examine the impact of the spread of contracts in British public services, focusing on the three areas noted. Their detailed case studies show that the changes introduced have assumed significantly different forms, and allow a comparison between sectors. The findings are set into the context of policy development for the public sector as a whole. The discussions encompass the process of management change, structures for and of contracting, markets, the international experience, and other dimensions. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

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