
Professor James Downe
Professor of Public Policy and Management, Director of Research, Wales Centre for Public Policy
- downej@cardiff.ac.uk
- +44 (0)29 2087 5298
- 12 Museum Place, Cathays, Cardiff, CF10 3BG
- Media commentator
Overview
James is a Professor of 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.
Biography
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
Publications
2021
- Doering, H.et al. 2021. Organizational identity threats and aspirations in reputation management. Public Management Review 23(3), pp. 376-396. (10.1080/14719037.2019.1679234)
- Andrews, R.et al. 2021. The motivations for the adoption of management innovation by local governments and its performance effects. Public Administration Review (10.1111/puar.13375)
2020
- MacKillop, E., Quarmby, S. and Downe, J. 2020. Does knowledge brokering facilitate evidence-based policy? A review of existing knowledge and an agenda for future research. Policy and Politics 48(2), pp. 335-353. (10.1332/030557319X15740848311069)
2018
- Bellò, B.et al. 2018. Does austerity drive public service innovation? Evidence from shared senior management teams in local government. Public Money & Management 38, pp. 131-138. (10.1080/09540962.2018.1407161)
- Guarneros-Meza, V., Downe, J. and Martin, S. 2018. Defining, achieving and evaluating collaborative outcomes: a theory of change approach. Public Management Review 20(10), pp. 1562-1580. (10.1080/14719037.2017.1383782)
2016
- Entwistle, T.et al. 2016. Reframing governance: competition, fatalism and autonomy in central-local relations. Public Administration 94(4), pp. 897-914. (10.1111/padm.12210)
- Downe, J., Cowell, R. and Morgan, K. 2016. What determines ethical behavior in public organizations: is it rules and/or leadership?. Public Administration Review 76(6), pp. 898-909. (10.1111/puar.12562)
- Huxley, K.et al. 2016. Administrative traditions and citizen participation in public policy: a comparative study of France, Germany, the UK and Norway. Policy and Politics 44(3), pp. 383-402. (10.1332/030557315X14298700857974)
- Andrews, R., Guarneros-Meza, V. and Downe, J. 2016. Public management reforms and social cohesion in Europe: the view from the top. Public Management Review 18(4), pp. 558-582. (10.1080/14719037.2015.1014399)
- Martin, S.et al. 2016. Analysing performance assessment in public services: how useful is the concept of a performance regime?. Public Administration 94(1), pp. 129-145. (10.1111/padm.12206)
2015
- Doering, H., Downe, J. and Martin, S. 2015. Regulating public services: How public managers respond to external performance assessment. Public Administration Review 75(6), pp. 867-877. (10.1111/puar.12400)
2014
- Andrews, R., Downe, J. and Guarneros-Meza, V. 2014. Contracting for social cohesion: Can Local Area Agreements make a difference?. Policy and Politics 42(4), pp. 477-493. (10.1332/030557312X655657)
- Entwistle, T. W.et al. 2014. The multi-level governance of Wales: layer cake or marble cake?. The British Journal of Politics and International Relations 16(2), pp. 310-325. (10.1111/j.1467-856X.2012.00541.x)
- Cowell, R., Downe, J. and Morgan, K. 2014. Managing politics? Ethics regulation and conflicting conceptions of 'good conduct'. Public Administration Review 74(1), pp. 29-38. (10.1111/puar.12135)
- Guarneros-Meza, V.et al. 2014. Putting the citizen at the centre? Assembling local government policy in Wales. Local Government Studies 40(1), pp. 65-82. (10.1080/03003930.2012.707616)
2013
- Martin, S. J.et al. 2013. New development: All change? Performance assessment regimes in UK local government. Public Money & Management 33(4), pp. 277-280. (10.1080/09540962.2013.799816)
- Downe, J. D.et al. 2013. The determinants of public trust in English local government: How important is the ethical behaviour of elected councillors?. International Review of Administrative Sciences 79(4), pp. 597-617. (10.1177/0020852313501270)
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
Supervision
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