Can we argue against it? Performance management and state funding of voluntary organizations in the UK

Abstract

This article examines the implications of recent changes in public management practice for the ways in which voluntary sector performance is understood and measured, focusing in particular on voluntary organizations which are funded by the public sector to provide services. Drawing on a review of existing literature and empirical work, and an analysis of government policy, the article raises a number of problems resulting from the changing policy environment for voluntary organizations working in partnership with the state.

Notes

^* PSAs are undertakings by government agencies to reach specific targets in the nature and provision of public services. Each PSA target is underpinned by a technical note, which sets out how the target is measured, how success is defined, the sources of the relevant data, and any other relevant information such as geographic or demographic coverage.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Rod Dacombe

Rod Dacombe is Lecturer in Politics, Department of Political Economy, King's College London, UK.