Stability and Change during Periods of Re-organisation: A Cultural Historical Investigation into Children’s Services (in England)

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of a quasi-longitudinal investigation of the lived experiences of Children’s Service professionals (in England) between 2004 and 2012. The research aimed to gain an understanding of the factors which shape and transform collective professional behaviour during periods of national policy reform. Cultural historical activity theory formed the analytical framework which helped identify features of professional practice which changed or remained the same; thereby giving insight into ‘the change process’ within large organisations. The findings identified a movement from universal provision of services to one that adopted an increasingly business orientated approach. Multi-agency partnership working remained evident throughout; from policy ambition in 2004 to one embedded in practice through necessity within an environment of decreasing financial and human resources.