Putting the public back into public service markets

This event explored how the public can be more effectively and constructively engaged in decision making about public sector markets.

The public understandably want to be involved in decisions on the shape of public services. The quality and value of public services – rather than who provides them – continues to be a top priority for users. But many are still on the fence when it comes to the way in which public sector markets work. People want to know how decisions are taken, how they can be involved in these decisions, and that governments and providers will take responsibility for successes and mistakes alike. This event brought an updated perspective on citizens’ attitudes to public sector markets and explored how government and providers can better involve the public in their design and delivery. It also looked at how transparency can be improved and who should be accountable if things go wrong.

This was the fourth and final event in a series sponsored by the Business Services Association on 'Where next for public service markets?' This event explored how the Government can develop the right mechanisms and skills to best manage public service markets. The event was chaired by Sarah Neville, Public Policy Editor, Financial Times. 

Panellists:

• Geraldine Blake, Chief Executive, Community Links
• Bobby Duffy, Managing Director, Ipsos MORI
• Laura Bunt, Head of Policy Research and Communications, Citizens Advice

The Institute for Government would like to thank the BSA for supporting the the public service markets events series.

Read our analysis of this event – Putting the public back into public services