Professor James Downe

Professor in Public Policy and Management, Director of Research, Wales Centre for Public Policy

Email:: downej@cardiff.ac.uk
Telephone:: +44 (0)29 2087 5298
Location:: 12 Museum Place, Cathays, Cardiff, CF10 3BG

: Media commentator

James is a Professor in Public Policy & Management in Cardiff Business School. He is currently on secondment as Director of Research at the Wales Centre for Public Policy. The Centre supports government and public services to access, interpret and apply evidence that improves policy making and delivery. His current research interests are in local government performance regimes, political accountability, sector-led improvement, public trust and the ethical behaviour of local politicians.

He has more than fifteen years' experience of conducting evaluations on local government policy for government and has published widely in journals including: Public Administration Review, Public Administration, Policy & Politics, Environment and Planning C: Government and Policy, Public Management Review and International Review of Administrative Sciences.

Qualifications

PhD, University of Plymouth
Pg. Dip Social Science Research Methods University of Plymouth
BSc Politics University of Plymouth

Academic positions

Professor, Cardiff Business School, 2017-
Reader, Cardiff Business School, 2013-2017
Senior Research Fellow, Cardiff Business School, 2008-2013
Senior Research Associate, Cardiff Business School, 2003-2008
Senior Research Fellow, Warwick Business School, 2000-2003
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Department of Politics, University of Plymouth, 1997-2000
Research Assistant, Department of Politics, University of Plymouth, 1995-1996

2012

Downe, J. D., Martin, S. J. and Bovaird, T. 2012. Learning from complex policy evaluations. Policy and Politics 40(4), pp. 505-523. (10.1332/030557312X645766)
Downe, J. D. and Martin, S. J. 2012. Self regulation in public services: from top down inspection to sector led improvement in English local government. Presented at: BAM2012 - British Academy of Management Annual Conference, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK, 11-13 September 2012.
Martin, S. J.et al. 2012. Collaborative Public Services Management: Rhetoric or Reality?. Presented at: BAM2012 - British Academy of Management Annual Conference, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK, 11-13 September 2012.
Nutley, S. M.et al. 2012. Policy transfer and convergence within the UK: the case of local government performance improvement regimes. Policy & Politics 40(2), pp. 193-209. (10.1332/147084411X581880)
Cowell, R. J. W.et al. 2012. Public confidence and public services: it matters what you measure. Policy & Politics 40(1), pp. 120-140. (10.1332/147084411X581862)
Cowell, R. J. W., Downe, J. D. and Morgan, K. 2012. Managing Politics? Good conduct and ethics regulation in English local government. Presented at: XVI IRSPM 2012 - XVI Annual Conference of the International Research Society for Public Management (IRSPM), University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy, 11-13 April 2012.
Martin, S. J. and Downe, J. D. 2012. Performance management meets partnership working: the case of Comprehensive Area Assessments in England. Presented at: XVI IRSPM 2012 - XVI Annual Conference of the International Research Society for Public Management (IRSPM), University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy, 11-13 April 2012.

2011

Downe, J. D. 2011. Evaluation of the Scrutiny Development Fund in Wales. Presented at: Wales Scrutiny Champions Network, Llandrindod Wells, Wales, UK, 18 November 2011.
Andrews, R. W., Cowell, R. J. W. and Downe, J. D. 2011. Promoting civic culture by supporting citizenship: what difference can local government make?. Public Administration 89(2), pp. 595-610. (10.1111/j.1467-9299.2010.01875.x)
Andrews, R. W., Downe, J. D. and Guarneros-Meza, V. 2011. Contracting for social cohesion: do local area agreements make a difference?. Presented at: Annual Conference of the EGPA 2011: PSG II: Performance in Public Sector, Bucharest, Romania, 7-10 September 2011Proceedings of the Public Sector Performance study Group EGPA 2011. European Group of Public Administration
Cowell, R. J. W., Downe, J. D. and Morgan, K. 2011. The ethical framework for local government in England: is it having any effect and why?. Public Management Review 13(3), pp. 433-457. (10.1080/14719037.2011.553292)
Downe, J. D.et al. 2011. The determinants of public trust in English local government: performance, standards of conduct or socio-economic. Presented at: 33rd European Group of Public Administration (EGPA) Annual Conference, Bucharest, Romania, 7-10 September 2011.
Downe, J. D., Martin, S. J. and Bovaird, T. 2011. Can Government policies improve local public services? An assessment of the impacts of top-down reform strategies. Presented at: Association for Public Policy and Analysis (APPAM) International Academic Conference, Moscow, Russia, 28-29 June 2011.
Cowell, R. J. W., Downe, J. D. and Morgan, K. 2011. Managing politics? Good conduct and ethics regulation in English local government. Presented at: Political Studies Association Annual Conference, Edinburgh, UK, 31 March - 1 April 2010.

2010

Hayden, C.et al. 2010. Comprehensive Area Assessment: An evaluation of year 1. London: Shared Intelligence. Available at: http://archive.audit-commission.gov.uk/auditcommission/SiteCollectionDocuments/Downloads/20100316evaluationofcaa.pdf
Guarneros-Meza, V.et al. 2010. How to understand citizen engagement? The making the connections document, Wales. Presented at: WISERD Seminar The understanding of citizen engagement by local authorities and the Welsh Assembly Government, Cardiff, UK, 8 March 2010.
Martin, S. J.et al. 2010. Central-local partnership in Wales: the whole truth, a half truth or nothing like the truth?. Presented at: Political Studies Association Specialist Group Conference: British and Comparative Territorial Policies, Oxford, UK, 7-8 January 2010.
Nutley, S.et al. 2010. Policy transfer and local government performance improvement regimes. Presented at: 14th Annual Conference of the International Research Society for Public Management (IRSPM), Bern, Switzerland, 7-9 April 2010.
Downe, J. D.et al. 2010. Theories of public service improvement: A comparative analysis of local performance assessment frameworks. Public Management Review 12(5), pp. 663-678. (10.1080/14719031003633201)
Martin, S. J.et al. 2010. Validity, utilization and evidence-based policy: the development and impact of performance improvement regimes in local public services. Evaluation 16(1), pp. 31-42. (10.1177/1356389009350119)
Guarneros-Meza, V.et al. 2010. Interpreting citizen engagement in Wales: a governmantality approach. Presented at: Political Studies Association Annual Conference, Edinburgh, UK, 31 March - 2 April 2010.
Downe, J. D. 2010. Organizational learning. In: Ashworth, R. E., Boyne, G. A. and Entwistle, T. W. eds. Public Service Improvement: Theories and Evidence.. Oxford: Oxford University Press, pp. 184-204.

2009

Cowell, R. J. W., Downe, J. D. and Morgan, K. 2009. Has the New Standards Framework really made a difference?. Municipal Journal, pp. 26-27.
Cowell, R. J. W., Downe, J. D. and Morgan, K. 2009. The Ethical Framework for Local Government in England – is it having any effect and why?. Presented at: First Global Dialogue - 'Governing good and governing well': The first global dialogue on ethical and effective governance, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 28-30 May 2009.
Cowell, R. J. W., Downe, J. and Morgan, K. 2009. Assessing the impact and effectiveness of the ethical framework in local government in England: first interim report to the Standards Board for England. Cardiff: Centre for Local and Regional Government Research, Cardiff University. Available at: http://www.standardsforengland.gov.uk/Resources/Research/2009reports/SBE%20Research%20Report%20Final%20Year1%2022.04.09.doc2.pdf
Entwistle, T. W.et al. 2009. Intergovernmental relations in Wales: having your cake and eating it?. Presented at: Public Administration Committee (PAC) Conference 2009, Pontypridd, UK, 7-9 September 2009.
Downe, J. D., Martin, S. J. and Bovaird, T. 2009. Evidence based policy making? Meta-evaluation in the real world. Presented at: Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management (APPAM) 31st Annual Research Conference, Washington DC, USA, 5-7 November 2009.
Martin, S. J.et al. 2009. Performance improvement regimes: a theoretical framework for the analysis of public services audit and inspection. Presented at: 13th Annual IRSPM Conference, Copenhagen, Denmark, 6-8 April 2009. pp. 61-73.
Bovaird, T., Löffler, E. and Downe, J. D. 2009. Co-production of public services and public policies: the role of emerging technologies. In: Gøtze, J. and Pedersen, C. B. eds. State of the eUnion - Government 2.0 and Onwards... Bloomington, IN: AuthorHouse, pp. 263-280.
Morgan, K. J., Cowell, R. J. W. and Downe, J. D. 2009. Civilising politics? The impacts of the ethical framework for local government in England. Presented at: 7th Workshop of the EGPA Study Group, Malta.

2008

Andrews, R. W., Cowell, R. J. W. and Downe, J. D. 2008. Support for active citizenship and public service performance: an empirical analysis of English local authorities. Policy & Politics 36(2), pp. 225-243. (10.1332/030557308783995044)
Andrews, R. W.et al. 2008. Supporting Effective Citizenship in Local Government: Engaging, Educating and Empowering Local Citizens. Local Government Studies 34(4), pp. 489-507. (10.1080/03003930802217462)
Downe, J. D.et al. 2008. Best value audits in Scotland: winning without scoring?. Presented at: nternational Research Society for Public Management Annual Conference, Brisbane, Australia, 26th-28th March 2008.
Cowell, R. J. W.et al. 2008. Making sense of service improvement: an empirical analysis of public confidence in local government. Presented at: International Research Society for Public Management Annual Conference, Brisbane, Australia, 26th - 28th March 2008.
Downe, J. D. and Martin, S. J. 2008. Editorial: Evaluating the local government modernisation agenda: impacts, obstacles and outcomes. Local Government Studies 34(1), pp. 105-107. (10.1080/03003930701803958)
Downe, J. D.et al. 2008. Best value audits in Scotland: winning without scoring?. Public Money and Management 28(2), pp. 77-84.
Bovaird, T. and Downe, J. D. 2008. Innovation in public engagement and co-production of services. Discussion Paper. Cardiff: Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University.
Cowell, R. J. W.et al. 2008. Meta-evaluation of the local government modernisation agenda: the state of local democracy: the impact of policy changes on accountaibility and public confidence.. London: Department for Communities and Local Government.
Downe, J. D. 2008. Inspection of local government services. In: Davis, H. and Martin, S. J. eds. Public services inspection in the UK.. Research highlights in social work Vol. 50. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, pp. 19-36.
Downe, J. D.et al. 2008. Best Value Audits in Scotland: Winning Without Scoring?. Public Money and Management 28(2), pp. 77-84. (10.1111/j.1467-9302.2008.00625.x)

2007

Downe, J. D.et al. 2007. Comparing for improvement: Local government performance regimes in England, Scotland and Wales. Discussion Paper. London: Solace Foundation Imprint. Available at: http://www.publicservices.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/dp_0705_final-2007_11_27.pdf
Downe, J. D.et al. 2007. The procurement process as a driver of service improvement and efficiency savings in English local government. Presented at: Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management, Washington D.C., 8-10 November 2007.
Downe, J. D.et al. 2007. Reinventing governmental relationships in the UK: Emerging evidence on the impacts of modernising local governance in a centralist state. Presented at: British Academy of Management Annual Conference, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK, 11-13 September 2007.
Hartley, J. and Downe, J. D. 2007. The Shining Lights? Public Service awards as an approach to service improvement. Public Administration 85(2), pp. 329-353. (10.1111/j.1467-9299.2007.00652.x)
Downe, J. D. and Martin, S. J. 2007. Inspecting for improvement? Emerging patterns of public service regulation in the UK. Environment and Planning C: Government and Policy 25(3), pp. 410-422. (10.1068/c59m)
Grace, C.et al. 2007. 'Decisive moment': Independent review of the Best Value Audit Process: Final report to the Accounts Commission and Audit Scotland. Project Report. [Online]. Edinburgh: Accounts Commission. Available at: http://www.audit-scotland.gov.uk/docs/local/2007/bv_070725_review.pdf
Downe, J. D. and Martin, S. J. 2007. Regulation inside government: processes and impacts of inspection of local public services. Policy & Politics 35(2), pp. 215-232. (10.1332/030557307780712997)
Entwistle, T. W.et al. 2007. Perspectives on place-shaping and service delivery: A report of case study work conducted for the Lyons Inquiry. Project Report. [Online]. London: The Stationery Office. Available at: http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/other/9780119898576/9780119898576.pdf
Downe, J. D. 2007. Long-term meta-evaluation of the Local Government Modernisation Agenda: Data Audit. Project Report. Cardiff: Cardiff University Business School.

2006

Bovaird, T., Downe, J. D. and Martin, S. J. 2006. Designing policy for service improvement in UK local government, 1997-2005: Emerging evidence from a meta-evaluation. Presented at: 10th International Research Symposium on Public Management (IRSPM X), Glasgow, UK, 10-12 April 2006.
Andrews, R. W.et al. 2006. Promoting effective citizenship and community empowerment: A guide for local authorities on enhancing capacity for public participation. Project Report. [Online]. London: Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. Available at: http://www.safercommunitiesscotland.org/Documents/Promoting%20Effective%20Citizenship%20and%20Community%20Empowerment%20(2006).pdf
Downe, J. D. and Martin, S. J. 2006. Joined up policy in practice? The coherence and impacts of the local government modernisation agenda. Local Government Studies 32(4), pp. 465-488. (10.1080/03003930600793045)
Sullivan, H.et al. 2006. The Three Challenges of Community Leadership. Local Government Studies 32(4), pp. 489-508. (10.1080/03003930600793136)
Bovaird, T. and Downe, J. D. 2006. N Generations of Reform in UK Local Government: Compliance and Resistance to Institutional Pressures. International Public Management Journal 9(4), pp. 429-455. (10.1080/10967490601077319)
Ashworth, R. E.et al. 2006. Review of the role and functions of elected members: literature review. Cardiff: Welsh Assembly Government. Available at: http://business.cardiff.ac.uk/research/groups/centre-local-and-regional-government-research/research-projects/functions-of-elected-members
Bovaird, T.et al. 2006. Reinventing governmental relationship in the UK: Emerging evidence on the impacts of modernising local governance in a centralist state. Presented at: Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management 28th Annual Fall Research Conference, Madison, WI, USA, 2-4 November 2006.

2005

Downe, J. D.et al. 2005. Meta-evaluation of the local government modernisation agenda: progress report on public confidence in local government. Project Report. London: Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
Downe, J. D., Bovaird, T. and Martin, S. J. 2005. Designing policy for service improvement in UK local government, 1997-2004: Emerging evidence from a meta-evaluation. Presented at: Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management (APPAM) Fall Research Conference 2005, Washington, DC, USA, 3-5 November 2005.
Downe, J. D. and Martin, S. J. 2005. Inspecting for improvement? Emerging patterns of public service regulation in the UK. Presented at: Twentieth Annual Employment Research Unit Annual Conference, Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK, 6-7 September 2005.
Hartley, J., Downe, J. D. and Rashman, L. 2005. An analysis of the effectiveness of public service award schemes. Presented at: Academy of Management (AOM) Annual Meeting 2005, Honolulu, HI, USA, 5-10 August 2005.
Downe, J. D. and Martin, S. J. 2005. External inspection and internal scrutiny: complementary or contrasting approaches to the regulation of local public services?. Presented at: ESRC Seminar on Accountability, Scrutiny and Regulation, Cardiff, UK, 8 June 2005.
Entwistle, T. W. and Downe, J. D. 2005. Picking Winners to Define and Disseminate Best Practice. Public Policy and Administration 20(4), pp. 25-37. (10.1177/095207670502000403)
Rashman, L., Downe, J. D. and Hartley, J. 2005. Knowledge creation and transfer in the Beacon Scheme: Improving services through sharing good practice. Local Government Studies 31(5), pp. 683-700. (10.1080/03003930500293732)
Bovaird, T.et al. 2005. Meta-evaluation of the Local Government Modernisation Agenda: Overall progress report. London: Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
Leach, S.et al. 2005. Progress report on stakeholder engagement with local government. Working paper. London: Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
Leach, S.et al. 2005. Local political leadership in England and Wales. Working paper. York: Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Available at: http://www.jrf.org.uk/sites/files/jrf/1859353665.pdf
Downe, J. D.et al. 2005. Supporting citizenship and local democracy: The role of local government. London: Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

2004

Downe, J. D., Hartley, J. and Rashman, L. 2004. Evaluating the extent of inter-organizational learning and change in local authorities through the English beacon council scheme. Public Management Review 6(4), pp. 531-554. (10.1080/1471903042000303328)
Rallings, C.et al. 2004. Redistricting Local Governments in England: Rules, Procedures and Electoral Outcomes. State Politics and Policy Quarterly 4(4), pp. 470-490. (10.1177/153244000400400407)
Bovaird, T., Martin, S. J. and Downe, J. 2004. Performancemeasurement for evidence-based strategies of multilevel public service reform. Presented at: Performance Measurement and Management: Public and Private. PMA 2004 Conference, Edinburgh, UK, 28 - 30 July 2004.
Martin, S. J. and Downe, J. D. 2004. Inspecting for improvement? Emerging patterns of Public Service Regulation in the UK. Presented at: IRSPM VIII: 8th International Research Symposium on Public Management, Budapest, Hungary, 31 March - 2 April 2004 Presented at Jenei, G. et al. eds.Challenges of Public Management Reforms: Theoretical Perspectives and Recommendations. Budapest: Budapest University of Economic Sciences and Public Administration pp. 48-71.
Downe, J. D., Entwistle, T. W. and Martin, S. J. 2004. An assessment of the WLGA's proposals for excellence Wales. Project Report. Cardiff: Welsh Local Government Association.
Bovaird, A. G., Martin, S. J. and Downe, J. D. 2004. Evaluating outcomes and processes in multi-level public sector governance. Presented at: Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management, Atlanta, USA, 28-30 October 2004.
Davies, H., Downe, J. D. and Martin, S. J. 2004. The changing role of Audit Commission inspection of local government. Working paper. York: Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Available at: http://www.jrf.org.uk/sites/files/jrf/1859352391.pdf

2003

Downe, J. D. and Hartley, J. 2003. Research into beacon council scheme applications: Objective One final report - Identifying trends in applications and in selection. Project Report. London: Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
Davies, H.et al. 2003. Six of the best: An evaluation of the LGA's six commitments. Documentation. LGA Publications.

2002

Downe, J. D., Hartley, J. and Rashman, L. 2002. Networking among public service organizations: learning and change through the Beacon Council Scheme. Presented at: 62nd Annual Meeting of the Academy of Management (AOM), Denver, CO, USA, 9-14 August 2002Academy of Management Meeting Proceedings, Vol. 2002. Briarcliff Manor, NY: AOM pp. B1-B6., (10.5465/APBPP.2002.7519425)
Rallings, C., Thrasher, M. and Downe, J. D. 2002. One vote, one value: electoral redistricting in English local government.. Farnham, UK: Ashgate.
Downe, J. D.et al. 2002. Monitoring and Evaluation of the Beacon Council Scheme: Determining whether the best local authorities apply to become Beacon Councils. Technical Report.
Downe, J. D., Rashman, L. and Hartley, J. 2002. Why local authorities do or do not apply to become beacon councils. Discussion Paper. London: Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

2001

Downe, J. D., Martin, S. J. and Davies, H. 2001. The impact of external inspection on local government - delivering improvement or drowning in detail?. Discussion Paper. York: Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Available at: http://www.jrf.org.uk/sites/files/jrf/921.pdf
Martin, S. J.et al. 2001. Improving local public services: Final Report of the Best Value Pilot Programme. Project Report. [Online]. Coventry: Warwick Business School. Available at: http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/localgovernment/pdf/145887.pdf
Martin, S. J., Davis, H. and Downe, J. D. 2001. External inspection of local government: Driving improvement or drowning in detail?. Project Report. [Online]. York: The Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Available at: http://www.jrf.org.uk/sites/files/jrf/1859352979.pdf

2000

Downe, J. D., Rallings, C. and Thrasher, M. 2000. Turnout at local government elections: Influences on levels of voter registration and electoral participation. Discussion Paper. London: Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.
Downe, J. D. 2000. R. J. Rossiter, R. Johnston and C. Pattie, The Boundary Commissions: Redrawing the UK's Map of Parliamentary Constituencies [Book Review]. Party Politics 6(2), pp. 247-249. (10.1177/1354068800006002011)

1996

Downe, J. D., Rallings, C. and Thrasher, M. 1996. Enhancing local electoral turnout: A guide to current practice and future reform. Working paper. York: Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

Current research

Transforming into Open, Innovative and Collaborative Governments, 2017-2021, European Commission Horizon 2020

Management Innovation in Local Government: An examination of shared senior management teams in English local government, 2016-2018, Cardiff Business School

Recently completed research

Evaluating the LGA Corporate Peer Challenge Programme, 2016-17, Local Government Association

Outcome Evaluation of the Local Service Board ESF Development and Priority Delivery Project, 2012-2015, Welsh Government

Process Evaluation of the Local Service Board ESF Development and Priority Delivery Project, 2012-2015, Welsh Government

Evaluation of Welsh Government funding streams to support regional collaborative working, 2014-2015, Welsh Government

The Regulation and Performance of Public Services, 2013-2015, Cardiff Business School

An Evaluation of Executive Arrangements in Local Government, 2014, Welsh Government

Identification of Best Practice in Joint Scrutiny arrangements across Wales, and the production of a Practitioners Toolkit, 2013-14, Caerphilly County Borough Council, Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council and Monmouthshire County Council – supported by Welsh Government

Evaluation of the Fire Peer Challenge, 2013-2014, Local Government Association

Coordinating for Cohesion in the Public Sector of the Future, 2011-14, European Commission Framework 7 programme,

Developing a Culture of Collaborative Scrutiny: an Evaluation of Practice and Potential, 2012-2013, Welsh Government

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Corporate Peer Challenge Process, 2011-2013, Local Government Association

Accountability, Efficiency, Improvement and Change in UK Local Public Services: The Role of Benchmarking and External Performance Assessment, 2012-2013, Economic and Social Research Council

Evaluation of the Scrutiny Development Fund in Wales, 2011-2012, Welsh Government

Evaluation of Welsh Government Policy for Local Government, 2008-2012, Welsh Assembly Government

PhD supervision research interests

Citizen engagement
Collaboration
Ethical behaviour of politicians
Inspection of local government
Political leadership
Political management arrangements
Social cohesion in the EU

Areas of expertise

Research links

Wales Centre for Public Policy

People

Professor James Downe

Qualifications

Academic positions

2018

2016

2015

2014

2013