Consultancy in Public Services: Empowerment and Transformation

Description

Based on the authors' twenty-five year experience of consultancy in the public services, this book develops an empowering approach to thinking about and doing consultancy with public services. It challenges the traditional view that the consultants are brought in as experts and instead examines ways of using consultancy to empower staff, patients, service users and members of the public, so that they can take part in developing, changing, innovating and ultimately transforming these services. The book includes chapters explaining consultancy, on preparing bids, on negotiations and on the importance of assessment and review which are geared towards the needs of those working in public and third sectors, either as or with consultants. It includes a glossary, abbreviations, helpful contacts and websites which are valuable for quick reference and to aid further understanding.

Robert Adams, Emeritus Professor, School of Health and Social Care, Teesside University, has carried out consultancies with many public sector organisations. He has researched and written widely on public services including health and social care. Wade Tovey, Assistant Dean Enterprise and Director of EPICC [Enhancing Practice and Innovation Centre for Care], School of Health and Social Care, Teesside University, over 20 years has completed much consultancy work in public services.

"This invaluable book genuinely breaks new ground in the use of consultancies, showing you how to work positively with staff to develop creative solutions in order to provide effective services." Brian Littlechild, University of Hertfordshire