Public Services Inspection in the UK

Public Services Inspection in the UK provides a detailed account of the changing role of inspection in public services management. It analyses the key debates about the role that inspection plays in increasing public accountability and encouraging service improvement.

Contributors describe current inspection methods across the key public sectors of education, social care, the criminal justice system, local government services and healthcare, and examine the underlying issues and tensions associated with public services inspection. They compare approaches adopted in different parts of the UK and present evidence that can be drawn on to develop more effective practice, as well as offering recommendations for future policy and research.

Public Services Inspection in the UK is essential reading for public service managers, social workers, policy makers, researchers, academics, students and professionals working in public services who have an involvement in the inspection process.

Steve Martin is Professor of Public Policy and Management and Director of the Local and Regional Government Research Unit, Cardiff University.

Howard Davis is Acting Director of the Local Government Centre, Warwick Business School. Steve Martin is Professor of Public Policy and Management and Director of the Centre for Local and Regional Government Research at Cardiff University.