Third sector experiences of work programme delivery

Egdell, Valerie; Dutton, Matthew; McQuaid, Ronald W

Abstract

This paper explores the organisational experiences of governmental policy change and implementation on the third sector. Using a four-year longitudinal study of 13 third sector organisations (TSOs) it provides evidence based on the experiences of, and effects on, third sector organisations involved in the UK’s Work Programme in Scotland. The paper explores third sector experiences of the Work Programme during the preparation and introductory phase, as well as the effects of subsequent Work Programme implementation. By gathering evidence contemporaneously and longitudinally a unique in-depth analysis is provided of the introduction and implementation of a major new policy. The resource cost and challenges to third sector ways of working for the organisations in the Work Programme supply chain, as well as those not in the supply chain, are considered. The paper considers some of the responses adopted by the third sector to manage the opportunities and challenges presented to them through the implementation of the Work Programme. The paper also reflects on the broader context of the employability services landscape and raises questions as to whether, as a result of the manner in which the Work Programme was contracted, there is evidence of a move towards service homogenisation, challenging perceived TSO characteristics of service innovation and personalisation.

Citation

Egdell, V., Dutton, M., & McQuaid, R. W. (2016). Third sector experiences of work programme delivery. Journal of Social Policy, 45(4), 729-746. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0047279416000271

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 26, 2016
• Online Publication Date: May 2, 2016
• Publication Date: 2016-10
• Deposit Date: Mar 21, 2016
• Publicly Available Date: May 2, 2016
• Journal: Journal of Social POlicy
• Print ISSN: 0047-2794
• Electronic ISSN: 1469-7823
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 45
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 729-746
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0047279416000271
• Keywords: Third sector; Work Programme; public services; policy change; organisational relationships
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/id/eprint/9712