This article provides a rounded critique of social impact bonds (SIBs): newly developed and innovative financial investment model, in the UK starting to spread internationally that could transform provision services. Although SIBs have potential influence delivery by all providers, this raises three concerns about their possible effects – relation outcomes, unintended consequences for third sector, governance then reflects on as latest manifestation ideological shift which sector is undergoing.

Despite a lack of evidence their effectiveness there is increasing enthusiasm for Social Impact Bonds (SIBs) from diverse political perspectives across the world. This paper argues that while SIBs may potentially be applicable to some technical policy interventions which address relatively simple conditions, they are inappropriate complex conditions characterising wicked social problems. Enthusiasm and over-extension reflects simplistic view "evidence-based" policy. More fundamentally,...

Social innovation (SI) is an increasingly prominent but contested issue in discussions of social policy reform. Although not yet a familiar concept, nor widely understood (least all by makers), it has entered mainstream discourses. However whether SI marks significant departure either theory or practice, merely rhetoric, remains to be determined. This Review Article, and the Themed Section as whole, aims set out some questions analysts should ask about SI, help clarify development which...

The invertebrate pests most commonly affecting New Zealand's pastoral-based production in 'average' years cause losses of between $1.7B and $2.3B p.a. which up to $0.9B occur on sheep beef farms $1.4B dairy farms. native scarab grass grub is the costly pest causing $140–380 M $75–205 annually. exotic scarab, black beetle, although only approximately 1 ha, costs farmers $223 $19 Porina $84 $88 respectively. Pasture nematodes are estimated cost $274 for $326 farmers. Two pests, Argentine stem...

Abstract This article discusses some of the challenges encountered in embedding effective and sustainable social enterprise innovation within established political institutional systems to deliver local welfare services. It draws upon evidence analyzing Scotland contribute debate over whether innovations enterprises are able meet expectations addressing significant faced by systems. The clarifies meaning both these contested concepts explains how relate similar ideas public policy. suggests...

ABSTRACT The nature, causes and consequences of poverty have been debated for many years remain controversial. However, some degree consensus is a pre‐requisite feasible, sustainable effective policy responses to poverty. Research methods which can improve understanding public attitudes towards identify potential areas are particularly valuable. Q methodology research tool has the points contention in relation This article introduces main features illustrates its value by outlining how it...

Purpose – The article aims to discuss findings from a knowledge exchange review of financial inclusion in Britain and compare these key features exclusion evident European analyses. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on an innovative project. Rapid research reviews analysed evidence relation access banking services; credit; household insurance; personal savings assets; money advice provision; capability. were discussed by stakeholders representing the private, government,...

Community Planning Partnerships (CPPs) are a central feature of programme local government modernization and public service reform in Scotland. CPPs intended to ensure that authorities, other agencies, the voluntary, community private sectors develop shared vision for their area work partnership implement this. therefore have much common with similar initiatives parts UK, such as communities strategies, Local Strategic Partnerships, proposals contained 2007 Government Public Involvement...

Access to and engagement with information communications technologies (ICTs) are increasingly important aspects of social inclusion. This paper draws upon analyses UK survey data a review research on exclusion published in the between 2001 2006 examine distribution access uptake ICTs explore key factors restricting digital young people from lower income households communities. It argues that effective strategies bridge divisions must pay more attention rather than technological barriers which inhibit

This article examines whether young people in a deprived area are disaffected with education, training and employment, or disengaged from participation their community. It draws upon evidence the Drumchapel Aspirations Survey, study of attitudes, aspirations skills one most areas Glasgow. The involved survey two secondary schools area, focus groups recent school-leavers. research explored people's outlooks at critical life-stage transition: levels social participation, existing skills,...

Abstract Partnership working between the public, private and third sectors is a defining feature of contemporary local public policy landscape in UK. Community Planning Partnerships (CPPs) Scotland involve representatives from different partnership, led by relevant authority. CPPs resemble governance reforms elsewhere UK encounter similar problems, among which are difficulties successfully integrating voluntary sector organisations. This article draws upon research explored influence...

Recent UK government statements and education policies have emphasized the need to instil a ‘culture of aspiration’ among young people in deprived communities address social exclusion. Specific proposals include raising school leaving age 18 extending compulsory employment training.These measures express employment-oriented model citizenship that underpins New Labour’s approach justice. This article reflects on this by discussing survey evidence explored attitudes towards community Glasgow....

There is growing recognition that UK austerity measures impact adversely and more acutely on the most disadvantaged individuals, communities groups. These changes may be understood as representing a shift of responsibility away from collectives to individuals. This paper explores these issues through lens risk analysis. Drawing case study research one neighbourhood in Scottish local authority, it considers how distinctive polity Scotland, context austerity, redistributing social vulnerable...

The social care sector has been identified as a potential source of job creation for young people by policymakers, however the quality such employment opportunities requires closer scrutiny. This study reveals how strategies focused upon sectors which have high levels insecurity can contribute towards reinforcing patterns precarious work across Europe. Drawing research involving and representatives from sector, this argues that while attracting new employees is worthy objective, capacity to...

We conducted a feasibility study to examine whether paediatric patient at regional hospital could be assessed by an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist via videoconference, therefore saving least one journey the tertiary for preadmission appointment. A video-otoscope was used with standard videoconference equipment, realtime images were transmitted bandwidth of 384 kbit/s. In all, 1 3 telepaediatric ENT clinics between November 2003 April 2005, 98 consultations facilitated 64 patients. The...

This themed section discusses the conceptual development and related empirical applications of social innovation (SI), a concept acquiring prominent position in both academia world policy. When SI started being used early 1990s relatively few scientists were familiar with it, mainly those interested urban Less than two decades later, not only is at heart largest public research funding programme Europe ( Horizon 2020 ), it also constantly referred to discourses senior level policy makers on...

Successive UK governments have sought to increase financial inclusion by investing in credit unions. However, responses within the British union movement government’s latest modernisation and expansion proposals reveal a conflict over perceptions of purpose unions between those who regard them as means provide services low income communities, self-help organisations offering an alternative mainstream which should remain independent from government initiatives. While this division is not new,...