From public administration to public sector management: understanding contemporary change in British public services

Offers a general historical analysis of the development of public service provision in Britain. First discusses the slow emergence of industrialism in Britain, then discusses the development of social services in this context. Suggests that there are three significant stages in development: local public administration, 1870‐1950; central Welfare State, 1950‐1980; and decentralized provision, 1980‐1995. Goes on to argue that, in order to understand this sequence, and especially the emergence of centralized public provision, it is necessary to discuss modes of delivery of services within these institutional frameworks of provision. Examines different stages in patterns of organization for delivery of services which overlap with stages of provision. Suggests that the recent re‐emergence of decentralized provision has a certain inevitability, but that it is important that this takes an appropriate form. Identifies this form as a participative management