Third sector care : case studies of the organisation of care provision through co-operatives

This thesis follows the formation and development of three co-operatives established during the 1990s to deliver care services. The political and legislative framework at that time provided an opportunity for independent sector organisations to deliver personal social services via the introduction of the National Health Services and Community Care Act. Using qualitative research methods the focus of this research is on how each co-operative was formed, organised and structured. Data collection was organised around three themes. The first focused on the establishment and development of each organisation. In particular, the relationships between each co-operative and external organisations, such as social services departments. It was found that, despite the intentions of the National Health Services and Community Care Act, social services departments continued to wield a significant amount of power over the co-operatives. This in turn affected the degree to which the co-operatives achieved autonomy and independence. The second theme focused on the day-to-day and strategic management styles of each organisation. As such, the internal democratic and hierarchical nature of each co-operative was examined. It was found that whilst attempts were made to ensure democracy this was not always achieved. The third theme was focused on the experiences of individuals within each co-operative. It was found that whilst some individuals had positive experiences of working in a co-operative, others were less enthusiastic. This thesis concludes by suggesting that care co-operatives do have the potential to provide opportunities to the care sector and those involved with it. However, the co-operative is only a model, a context for the delivery of goods or services. As such, any opportunities are dependent on a number of dynamics that include the relationships with external organisations alongside the internal dynamics within the co-operative