Theories Of Public Service Improvement

Abstract

The use of performance auditing and inspection as tools of public services reform is a key feature of contemporary public management. In the UK, external assessments of organizational capacity and performance play a pivotal role in attempts to drive public service improvement. However significant differences have emerged between the local government performance assessment frameworks which now operate in England, Scotland and Wales. These reflect contrasting theories of improvement and differences in the relationships between central government, local authorities and audit bodies.

Key words:

• Audit and inspection
• local government
• performance management
• public services reform

Acknowledgement

This article is based upon research funded by the Economic and Social Research Council under the Public Services Programme. Award number RES-166-25-0034.