Addressing alcohol-related harms in the local night-time economy: a qualitative process evaluation from a complex systems perspective.

OBJECTIVES: English local authorities (LAs) are interested in reducing alcohol-related harms and may use discretionary powers such as the Late Night Levy (LNL) to do so. This study aims to describe how system stakeholders hypothesise the levy may generate changes and to explore how the system, its actors and the intervention adapt and co-evolve over time. DESIGN: A process evaluation from a complex systems perspective, using qualitative methods. SETTING: A London LA with high densities of residential and commercial properties, which implemented the LNL in 2014. PARTICIPANTS: Data were generated through interviews with LNL implementers and alcohol consumers, observations in bars and during LNL patrols and documentary review. INTERVENTION: The LNL allows LAs to charge late-night alcohol retailers an annual fee (£299-£4440) to manage and police the night-time economy (NTE). RESULTS: When the LNL was being considered, stakeholders from different interest groups advanced diverse opinions about its likely impacts while rarely referencing supporting research evidence. Proponents of the levy argued it could reduce crime and anti-social behaviour by providing additional funds to police and manage the NTE. Critics of the levy hypothesised adverse consequences linked to claims that the intervention would force venues to vary their hours or close, cluster closing times, reduce NTE diversity and undermine public-private partnerships. In the first 2 years, levy-funded patrols developed relationships with the licensed trade and the public. The LNL did not undermine public-private partnerships and while some premises varied their hours, these changes did not undermine the intervention's viability, nor significantly cluster venue closing times, nor obviously damage the area's reputation for having a diverse NTE. CONCLUSIONS: This study applies a framework for process evaluation from a complex systems perspective. The evaluation could be extended to measure alcohol-related outcomes and to consider the interplay between the national and local systems

The Potential for Public-Private Partnerships: Philanthropic Leaders Considering Housing as a Platform

Explores foundation leaders' approaches to housing as a platform for layering programs and services to improve quality of life, views on funding partnerships with the federal government, and suggestions for targeted collaborations. Includes case studies

Ahead of the Curve: Insights for the International NGO of the Future

International NGOs have a unique and important role to play in addressing today's complex global challenges. But few of them are living up to their full potential. With support from the Hewlett Foundation, FSG researched how the most innovative INGOs are adapting to the disruptions in the global development sector and embracing four approaches to create greater impact

Collaborative Engagement Approaches For Delivering Sustainable Infrastructure Projects In The AEC Sector: A Review

The public sector has traditionally financed and operated infrastructure projects using resources from taxes and various levies (e.g. fuel taxes, road user charges). However, the rapid increase in human population growth coupled with extended globalisation complexities and associated social/political/economic challenges have placed new demands on the purveyors and operators of infrastructure projects. The importance of delivering quality infrastructure has been underlined by the United Nations declaration of the Millennium Development Goals; as has the provision of ‘adequate’ basic structures and facilities necessary for the well-being of urban populations in developing countries. Thus, in an effort to finance developing countries’ infrastructure needs, most countries have adopted some form of public-private collaboration strategy. This paper critically reviews these collaborative engagement approaches, identifies and highlights 10 critical themes that need to be appropriately captured and aligned to existing business models in order to successfully deliver sustainable infrastructure projects. Research findings show that infrastructure services can be delivered in many ways, and through various routes. For example, a purely public approach can cause problems such as slow and ineffective decision-making, inefficient organisational and institutional augmentation, and lack of competition and inefficiency (collectively known as government failure). On the other hand, adopting a purely private approach can cause problems such as inequalities in the distribution of infrastructure services (known as market failure). Thus, to overcome both government and market failures, a collaborative approach is advocated which incorporates the strengths of both of these polarised positions

Public-private Partnerships (PPP) in Disaster Management in Developing Countries: A Conceptual Framework

With loss and damages from disasters increasing globally, reports from international agencies show that developing and the least developed countries are most affected by natural disasters. Much of the literature refers to two major problems that these countries face when managing disaster: the role of government and financial restrictions. As a result, it is difficult for these countries to develop a comprehensive disaster management framework and programs. Public-private partnerships (PPP) have become a popular way for governments to engage private actors in the delivery of government infrastructure and services with the aim of increasing quality and providing better value for money. This study will explore whether Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) can be used as a strategic approach to overcome or at least to minimise the negative impacts of disasters in developing countries. Based on a study of previous literature, this paper develops a conceptual framework that describes how the partnership between public and private actors, with certain characteristics, can establish a platform for all actors to contribute towards the objectives of disaster management in developing and least developed countries

The state-private interface in public service provision

Political theory sets out a strong case for the state to play a major role in public service provision. Yet services are often provided by a range of state and non-state actors as well as by collaborative partnerships. This paper surveys the literature, seeking to map arrangements in developing countries and to understand the politics of different types of service provision

A legacy handbook for physical regeneration

Legacy Handbook reviewing emda's experience of regeneration activity. Identifies key achievements and draws out lessons learned that may be relevant to successor bodies active in this area

Private Enterprise for Public Health: Opportunities for Business to Improve Women's and Children's Health

This guide, developed by FSG and published by the Innovation Working Group in support of the global Every Woman, Every Child effort, explores how companies can create shared value in women's and children's health. The document sets out opportunities for multiple different industries to develop new product and services, improve delivery systems and strengthen health systems that can support global efforts to save 16 million women's and children's lives between now and 2015. It particularly notes that companies need not wait for health services to "catch up" with their economic model, but rather they can work proactively to help accelerate change, by partnering with other industries, civil society and the public sector to create collective impact in a specific location. The aim of the guide is to catalyze these transformative partnerships