Public service reform - But not as we know it! (Picnic Publishing, 2009) How democracy can transform public services

You can download the book as a single file or by chapters (below) "A fascinating and lively account of how it is by strengthening democracy, involving workers and citizens we can transform our public services. It truly kicks privatisation into touch!" - Baroness Helena Kennedy QC

"This vivid and at times dramatic story shows how a positively public approach to our services is also key to an alternative economic strategy. If public services are improved and democratised like Newcastle's City Service, and increase inpublic spending would be money well spent meeting social needs and rebuilding regional economies. A telling story for all of us." -- Dave Prentis, General Secretary of UNISON

Introduction: Mission impossible? (PDF)

1. Welcome to Newcastle – the way we were and the need for change (PDF)
2. ‘The status quo is not an option’ (PDF)
3. Making it happen (PDF)
4. Financial means and constraints (PDF)
5. A new spirit of public sector management (PDF)
6. The union: making management accountable to the change (PDF)
7. Employing the private sector on the terms of the public (PDF)
8. Ch ch ch changes... (PDF)
9. The labour pains and potentialities for change (PDF)
10. Positively public QED(PDF)