an article by Ian Cunningham (University of Strathclyde, UK) Gary Hearne (Middlesex University, UK) and Philip James (Oxford Brookes University, UK) published in Industrial Relations Journal Volume 44 Issue 2 (March 2013)
Abstract
This article uses survey data to explore how far the terms and conditions of voluntary sector staff in Scotland are undergoing a process of reform against the backdrop of the sector’s greater engagement in contracting for outsourced public services and a more challenging public expenditure environment.
Its findings reveal that they have been undergoing a widespread process of diminution, which would appear to be becoming both deeper and broader.
They further argue that this process has been intimately connected to a harsher funding environment and therefore raise the prospect of it intensifying further as the current British government’s deficit reduction programme progresses.
Showing posts with label governmental_outsourcing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label governmental_outsourcing. Show all posts
Monday, 25 March 2013
Tuesday, 25 September 2012
Bad evidence: the curious case of the government-commissioned review of elective home education in England and how parents exposed its weaknesses
an article by Bruce Stafford (affiliation(s) not provided) published in Evidence & Policy: A Journal of Research, Debate and Practice Volume 8 Number 3 (August 2012)
Abstract
Governments in the United Kingdom have been contracting out policy reviews to individuals.
One such review, of elective home education in England, reveals serious shortcomings to this practice.
This paper explores the shortcomings – methodological and presentational – with the review, and highlights the fact that there was no governmental mechanism or code against which a commissioned review can be held accountable.
Although a select committee held an inquiry, it was home educators using the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and social media who identified weaknesses in the review.
The review’s recommendations were not implemented, but this was only because a general election was called.
Hazel’s comment:
I include this item here not because of its inherent subject matter but because of the lack of accountability apparent in this specific case. Had it not been for some very determined people we, the general public, would never have known what was happening.
How many other policies are based on dubious evidence?
My cynical core tends to ask about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq but should perhaps be concentrating on the evidence for the demise of Connexions services.
Abstract
Governments in the United Kingdom have been contracting out policy reviews to individuals.
One such review, of elective home education in England, reveals serious shortcomings to this practice.
This paper explores the shortcomings – methodological and presentational – with the review, and highlights the fact that there was no governmental mechanism or code against which a commissioned review can be held accountable.
Although a select committee held an inquiry, it was home educators using the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and social media who identified weaknesses in the review.
The review’s recommendations were not implemented, but this was only because a general election was called.
Hazel’s comment:
I include this item here not because of its inherent subject matter but because of the lack of accountability apparent in this specific case. Had it not been for some very determined people we, the general public, would never have known what was happening.
How many other policies are based on dubious evidence?
My cynical core tends to ask about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq but should perhaps be concentrating on the evidence for the demise of Connexions services.
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