Ambiguity and Cooperation in the Implementation of Adult Protection Policy |
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Authors: | Claudine McCreadie Dinah Mathew Rachel Filinson Janet Askham |
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Institution: | King's College London, Strond, London, WC2R 2LS. |
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Abstract: | Using a classification of public policy developed by Matland, we examine implementation of policy on adult protection as outlined in ‘No Secrets’, the government's guidance to local agencies. This policy appears to exemplify a ‘high‐ambiguity/low‐conflict’ model. Detailed interviews with staff charged with developing multi‐agency procedures, in local authority departments, health authorities, the police and the voluntary sector, confirmed the ambiguity of the policy and the uncertainty experienced by staff as a consequence. However, the interviews also revealed a number of areas of conflict, particularly as people gave precedence to their own professional norms and organizational priorities over partnership working. |
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Keywords: | Adult protection Policy ambiguity Partnership Conflict |
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