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Outsourcing, public sector reform and the changed character of the UK state‐voluntary sector relationship

Steve Davies (School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK)

International Journal of Public Sector Management

ISSN: 0951-3558

Article publication date: 4 October 2011

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to trace the origin and development of the increased use of the voluntary sector in the delivery of public services in the UK and to identify both the threats and opportunities that this policy poses.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses government documents to examine policies and models for change. This is located within a discussion of the literature around the developing role of the voluntary sector in public service provision against the backdrop of wider neo‐liberal public sector reform.

Findings

New Labour laid the basis for a major expansion in the use of the voluntary sector in public service provision as part of its public service reform programme. It did so with a range of sometimes contradictory justifications. The policy is now being extended by the new coalition government.

Research limitations/implications

The process of change outlined in the paper is continuing, so it is not possible to make conclusive statements regarding its impact. Further research will be required to monitor the effects.

Practical implications

Alerting the voluntary sector organisations to the potential problems of large‐scale involvement in public service provision may assist them in retaining their independence and effectiveness.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to a necessary (and overdue) assessment of the impact of the changed role of the voluntary sector in public service provision on the sector itself, the services provided and the surrounding framework of accountability.

Keywords

Citation

Davies, S. (2011), "Outsourcing, public sector reform and the changed character of the UK state‐voluntary sector relationship", International Journal of Public Sector Management, Vol. 24 No. 7, pp. 641-649. https://doi.org/10.1108/09513551111172468

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2011, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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