Policy Press

Consultancy in Public Services

Empowerment and Transformation

By Robert Adams and Wade Tovey

Published

Jul 25, 2012

Page count

256 pages

ISBN

978-1847424686

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Jul 25, 2012

Page count

256 pages

ISBN

978-1447308652

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Jul 25, 2012

Page count

256 pages

ISBN

978-1447309222

Imprint

Policy Press
Consultancy in Public Services

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.

"The broad literature around consultancy has blossomed in recent years, but Robert Adams and Wade Tovey's book positions itself distinctively...[it's] greatest appeal is its stories from the front line." SRA Research Matters Magazine

"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

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, has completed a wide variety of consultancy work in public services over the past 20 years.

Introduction; Part One Setting the scene: Introducing consultancy: an empowerment approach; Part Two Doing consultancy: Negotiating; Contracting; Engaging; Empowering; Disengaging; Part Three Reflections: Reflecting on contexts for consultancy; Reflecting on perspectives on consultancy; Doing consultancy and transforming public services.