Accountability that keeps on giving: open issues in the delivery of public services

Reviewing and discussing current ‘hot’ issues in the public accountability of public services under the different perspectives of central and local government, healthcare, universities and third-sector organisations, this piece aims at opening a debate on how to improve both research and practice in these realms. All sectors show evidence of accountability systems under strain or failing, with persistent conflicts between the technical/quantitative aspects of accountability and broader, more qualitative dimensions. These sectors also show the problematic relationship between diminishing resources and expanding accountability demands. All such aspects are worthy of further study, including the role of multiple felt experiences and the psychological impact on individual actors.