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This book examines developments in governance reform in Britain, with a particular focus on the period since 2010. We argue that the experiences of the past decade mean that public value-based ideas are required to inform governance reform for the coming years. This needs to be prioritised due to the twin challenges of managing the aftermath of Brexit and navigating through the recovery phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. The volume outlines key themes, issues and debates relevant to contemporary public sector reform including: modes of state governance, evidence-based policy-making debates, the challenges and possibilities of public sector innovation, accountability issues, and the implications of Brexit. The overall conclusion of the book is that the coming decade presents an opportunity for more paradigmatic changes to UK governance but, for this to happen, political leaders need to prioritise a 'reinventing government' agenda underpinned by public value-based thinking and approaches. This book will be of particular interest to students of politics and public administration and relevant for those with general research interests in British governance and public policy.
List of contents
1. Introduction.- 2. Public Value in Britain: A 'Post-New Public Management' Environment?.- 3. Public Sector Reform in the UK: Key Developments, Debates and Political Responses in Challenging Times.- 4. Modes of State Governance, Populist Pressures and Public Sector Reform.- 5. Evidence Based Policy and Public Value Management: Mutually-Supporting Paradigms?.- 6. Public Service Innovation: Challenging and Possibilities for Innovation Adoption.- 7. Public Value Leadership in the Context of Outcomes, Impact and Reform.- 8. Accountability and Networks: Mind the Gap.- 9. Public Value Management in Brexit Britain.- 10. Public Value Management: A Paradigm.
About the author
John Connolly is Professor of Public Policy at the University of the West of Scotland, UK. He writes on the topic of public sector reform, multi-level governance, evaluation and crisis management. His previous book is
The Politics and Crisis Management of Animal Health Security (2015). He undertakes consultancy for major public sector bodies and has contributed to Research Council projects both nationally and internationally.
Arno van der Zwet is Senior Lecturer in Politics and Public Policy at the University of the West of Scotland, UK. His research interests include territorial governance, territorial identity and territorial development policies. He has led research projects for European Commission, European Parliament, World Bank and Research Councils.
