Public Services Inspection in the UK provides a detailed account of the changing role of inspection in public services management. It outlines the continuing debates about providing inspection that encourages not only accountability but also effective service provision and best practice.The contributors describe current inspection methods across the key public sectors of education, social care, local government services and healthcare, and provide insights into the underlying issues and tensions of public services inspection. They compare approaches adopted in different parts of the UK and present evidence that can be drawn on to develop more effective practice, as well as offering recommendations for future policy and research. Public Services Inspection in the UK is essential reading for public service managers, social workers, policy makers, researchers, academics, students and those professionals in working in public services who have an involvement in the inspection process. Research Highlights in Social Work series examines areas of particular interest to those in social and community work and related fields. Each book draws together different aspects of the subject, highlighting relevant research and drawing out implications for policy and practice. The project is under the editorial direction of Professor Joyce Lishman, Head of the School of Applied Social Studies at the Robert Gordon University.Social, health and education workers, policy makers, researchers, academics and students as well as professionals in working in public services.