Exploring the significance of values in a changing policy context: insights from faith-based and secular homelessness service providers in the UK

Buckingham, Heather (2009) Exploring the significance of values in a changing policy context: insights from faith-based and secular homelessness service providers in the UK. Welfare and Values in Europe Conference, Uppsala, Sweden. 26 - 28 Mar 2009.

Record type: Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)

Abstract

Faith-based organisations have traditionally been instrumental in providing for the welfare of homeless people in the UK. Whilst this remains the case, increasing government funding for homelessness and the emphasis on third sector involvement in public service delivery have radically altered the funding and regulatory environment in which these organisations operate. Increasing contractual funding and competitive tendering have created challenges and opportunities for both faith-based and secular providers. This paper presents some of the findings of a project investigating how different voluntary organisations are responding to these policy and procurement changes. It draws on 26 in-depth interviews with homelessness service providers and local government representatives from two UK local authorities. The interviews revealed a diverse range of organisational responses: some organisations reported a close match between their aims and values and those of local government, whereas others identified greater tensions or conflicts. The paper outlines a four-fold typology that conceptualises these varied responses and experiences, and then discusses the significance of values for organisations of each ‘type’. It thereby demonstrates how values can (although may not always) be expressed not only in the practices of welfare delivery per se, but also in the strategic and funding decisions made by providers

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