Public service mutuals: transforming how services are delivered through social enterprise and democratic governance

Public service mutuals (‘mutuals’) have been created in a process of spinning out’ from the public sector as part of a wider programme aimed at reforming how public services are delivered. Mutuals generally take social enterprise forms and incorporate a significant degree of employee (and sometimes user community) ownership, control, and influence in how they are governed. They are concentrated in health and social care, but also operate in sectors such as sports and leisure, culture, library services, education, employment/skills, youth services and housing. This study examines the experiences of 12 recently established mutuals, chosen to represent different sectors, sizes and stages of development, legal/ownership forms, and different types of locality across England. The research demonstrates the effectiveness of the mutual model and how it has been adapted in diverse contexts to deliver public and community services. Key capabilities associated with good practice are identified alongside suggestions for policy and support for the sector