Evaluating intermediation: the electronic mixed economy of public service delivery

As part of its major programme of 'modernisation' the UK Government is seeking to implement an electronic mixed economy that will deliver public services through private firms, voluntary organisations and 'second party' public bodies. Such bodies have been styled 'intermediaries' by Government. This article is based upon a preliminary, exploratory study of the electronic mixed economy in its early stages of delivery. Focusing largely upon the relationship between a large Government department, the Department of Work and Pensions, and a leading national voluntary organisation, the Citizens Advice service, the authors examine the distinctive arrangements underpinning this initiative together with the emerging policy and management issues to which these arrangements are giving rise.