The context of public service reform in the neo-liberal economies

Abstract

‘Compared with 20 – or even 10 years ago – the average professional’s work is nowadays much more likely to be costed, audited, used as an input for performance indicators, subjected to explicit budgetary or workload ceilings… and/or included within the scope of patient satisfaction surveys. In these senses then, the previous conception of individualistic professionalism has been progressively replaced… the contemporary ethos is much more one of the professional as a member of a team, and beyond that, of an employing organisation. The presumption is that the individual professional will be subject to the rules, plans and priorities of that organisation (as well, perhaps, as the increasingly codified guidelines of the profession itself).’(Harrison & Pollitt, 1994)‘To take an evidence-based approach and show preparedness to collaborate with outcome measurement and generally com ply with clinical and social care governance requirements. To present reports and research to a high clinical and academic standard.’From job description of an NHS Trainee Child Psychotherapist post.‘The principal distinction in the law of persons is this, that all hum an beings are either free or slaves’.Gaius, the Roman Jurist, approximately AD 160.