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Building the Big Society

Building the Big Society: Episode 2: Cooperating

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Episode 2

Episode 2: Cooperating

Cooperating

BBC Radio 4 - Building the Big Society, Cooperating

Giles Edwards follows a big social enterprise as it splits from the public sector.

Giles Edwards meets people involved in the PM's flagship policy. The government wants public sector staff to form social enterprises. But what does that mean?

The government is keen for public sector staff to form social enterprises. A new law requires public bodies to take into account 'social value' when awarding contracts. And the NHS will see more services put out to tender. But what do these changes mean on the ground?

Over the past 8 months, Giles Edwards has been given inside access as a major new social enterprise is created in Bath from parts of the local NHS and the local council.

He has followed staff, many of whom had worked in the council or health system for many years, as they find their feet in the new world of the private sector. Do the doctors, social workers and managers who felt optimistic about the change at the beginning feel the same way now? And what about those who felt nervous, concerned, or downright hostile?

The programme also explores the wider impact. Will Sirona Care and Health, the new organisation, make good on its promises to create wider 'social value'? What can it do with its Â£50 million budget and 1,700 staff to improve the lives of people in Bath and North East Somerset?

Producer: Giles Edwards.

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Giles Edwards follows the work of people implementing the government's flagship policy

Giles Edwards follows the work of people involved in implementing the government's flagship policy

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Episode 2: Cooperating

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