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Responsibility and Public Services
Reviews: "Economic and public policy has been dominated by a view of the world where we become just cogs in the machine. As Richard Davis shows this is neither necessary or even efficient. It is only by rooting our thinking in richer notions of citizenship, community and human development that we will find the right responses to our social problems." Dr Simon Duffy, Centre for Welfare Reform "a ‘must read’ for public sector leaders driven to address what really matters to the communities they serve – it offers reflective guidance through the maze and describes a proven and evidenced method." Bob Rhodes, LivesthroughFriends "This book is an uplifting antidote to 'targets and terror' in the public services. If the old kind of performance management worked, it would have worked. It hasn't. Providing help based on something that matters to the person - how did that become so radical? Well it has. Read this book and do things differently. Rediscover trust." Professor Sue White, Inst. of Applied Social Studies, Univ. of Birmingham |
Richard Davis is a founding member of Vanguard Consulting, UK and has worked with John Seddon for over 25 years.
His was a vital role in developing the Vanguard method, which has allowed for dramatic improvements in public services. Read more about the author. Related titles:The Whitehall Effect
Systems Thinking in the Public Sector Intelligent Policing Delivering Public Services: Case Studies - Volume 1 Case Studies - Volume 2 |
John Tizard writing in The Huffington Post
"Public Services Should Value And Respect Citizens - They Are Not Supermarkets With Consumers
Over the last few decades, all governments have seen their stewardship of public services as requiring them to introduce/adopt more and more practices and the language of commercial businesses.
This approach does not fit easily with public service and a public service ethos. One specific problem is that when combined with political expediency, an impatience for quick results, an inherited bureaucratic cultural legacy, and austerity - this approach has had the additional impact of eroding the concept of ‘public service ethos’. Sadly, in far too many cases, it has led to the inefficient use of public expenditure and, consequently missed opportunities for citizens. In this context I was interested to find and read ‘Responsibility and Public Services’ by Richard Davis.
Davis argues that citizens become cogs in the machinery of public services. He draws on theory [and] his experience as a consultant working with the public sector and occasionally with ‘not for profit’ organisations, to describe the benefits of adopting ‘a responsible and sustainable way to provide public sector services’.
This short book cites many examples and case studies that support Davis’s thesis and view of public service provision. These are all of great interest and, on their own, are a good incentive to read the book. The case studies are drawn from the NHS, local government and other service providers’ experience. Davis claims that the book is written for those “who work in the public sector, who would like to find real solutions to people’s needs.” I have little doubt that such people will gain from reading it and facing up to the challenges and solutions it offers...
Davis challenges the ‘too often’ stated media and political assertions that the private sector is more efficient than the public; the private sector model can be transferred to the public sector; and that the public sector is inefficient. Drawing on much evidence Davis debunks these over-generalised assertions.
Davis places great emphasis on the need to involve citizens and those who use public services in their design, so that these services address what matters to them in ways that ensure they deliver the outcomes that they seek. Davis is at his strongest in this regard, and all public sector leaders and managers should read this chapter and inwardly digest it..."
Read the full review on The Huffington Post website
"Public Services Should Value And Respect Citizens - They Are Not Supermarkets With Consumers
Over the last few decades, all governments have seen their stewardship of public services as requiring them to introduce/adopt more and more practices and the language of commercial businesses.
This approach does not fit easily with public service and a public service ethos. One specific problem is that when combined with political expediency, an impatience for quick results, an inherited bureaucratic cultural legacy, and austerity - this approach has had the additional impact of eroding the concept of ‘public service ethos’. Sadly, in far too many cases, it has led to the inefficient use of public expenditure and, consequently missed opportunities for citizens. In this context I was interested to find and read ‘Responsibility and Public Services’ by Richard Davis.
Davis argues that citizens become cogs in the machinery of public services. He draws on theory [and] his experience as a consultant working with the public sector and occasionally with ‘not for profit’ organisations, to describe the benefits of adopting ‘a responsible and sustainable way to provide public sector services’.
This short book cites many examples and case studies that support Davis’s thesis and view of public service provision. These are all of great interest and, on their own, are a good incentive to read the book. The case studies are drawn from the NHS, local government and other service providers’ experience. Davis claims that the book is written for those “who work in the public sector, who would like to find real solutions to people’s needs.” I have little doubt that such people will gain from reading it and facing up to the challenges and solutions it offers...
Davis challenges the ‘too often’ stated media and political assertions that the private sector is more efficient than the public; the private sector model can be transferred to the public sector; and that the public sector is inefficient. Drawing on much evidence Davis debunks these over-generalised assertions.
Davis places great emphasis on the need to involve citizens and those who use public services in their design, so that these services address what matters to them in ways that ensure they deliver the outcomes that they seek. Davis is at his strongest in this regard, and all public sector leaders and managers should read this chapter and inwardly digest it..."
Read the full review on The Huffington Post website