Professor Stephen Martin

Teams and roles for Stephen Martin

Emeritus Professor
Cardiff Business School

Steve Martin is Emeritus Professor of Public Policy at Cardiff University

He has a distinguished track record of applied policy research and providing strategic advice to government departments and public bodies in the UK and internationally.

Over the last 30 years Steve has established and directed two major research centres, created and led numerous inter-disciplinary research teams, and undertaken multiple large scale evaluations of flagship public policy interventions.

Non-executive and advisory appointments - Steve has served in a range of non-executive roles and been appointed as an adviser to numerous government departments, as well as the Scottish and Welsh Governments, European Commission, Government of Oman, and a wide range of local authorities and other public bodies. His non-executive roles have included:

Member of the UK's What Works Council (2015 ongoing)
International Public Policy Observatory Advisory Group (2023 ongoing)
Non-executive Director, Improvement and Development Agency (2003-2010)
Trustee, New Local Government Network (2007-2016)
Member of the Independent Panel on National Assembly Members' salaries and allowances (2007 and 2008)
Academic Advisor to the Independent Review of Local Public Services chaired by Sir Jeremy Beecham (2005-2006)

He has given evidence to numerous select committees and inquiries in England, Scotland and Wales.

Executive roles - In 2013, Steve was asked by the First Minister of Wales to establish the Wales Centre for Public Policy. Over the following decade he directed and grew the Centre from an initial team of just two staff to an organisation with a budget of over £7 million and more than 20 staff who work closely with government ministers and public service leaders providing them with accessible, authoritative, independent evidence and advice on major societal challenges. The award winning, demand-led approach to supporting evidence-informed policy which Steve pioneered has attracted recognition and interest from governments and universities around the world.

Prior to establishing the Wales Centre for Public Policy, Steve was Director of the Centre for Local & Regional Government Research, which played a pivotal role in establishing Cardiff University’s international reputation for world-leading public policy research.

Before joining Cardiff he led the Local Authority Research Consortium at Warwick University for six years.

He was appointed co-lead of the UK's Local Government Knowledge Navigator (2013-2016) and Chair of the UK Government's Expert Panel on Local Governance (2009-2011).

Research leadership - Steve has led more than 50 large scale research programmes which have attracted more than £25 million in funding from reseach councils, the European Commission, Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Leverhulme Trust, UK central government departments and a wide range of public bodies.

His research is focused on evidence-informed policy making and research impact and he has published more 95 papers in peer reviewed journals, 30 book chapters and 200 commissioned reports.

Steve was co-editor of Policy & Politics from 2015-2020, overseeing a threefold increase in its impact factor, and he is currently a member of several other editorial advisory boards.

Teaching - Steve taught on the Local Government Leadership Academy for many years and has developed, led and taught on graduate and post-graduate programmes in public policy and strategic management at Cardiff, Warwick, Birmingham and Aston Universities as well as serving as external examiner for a range of PhDs and Masters programmes in the UK and internationally.

Date
Type

2024

Cairney, P. et al. 2024. The state of British policymaking: How can UK government become more effective?. Parliamentary Affairs 77(4), pp. 837-864. (10.1093/pa/gsae019)
Durrant, H., Havers, R., Downe, J. and Martin, S. 2024. Improving evidence use: A systematic scoping review of local models of knowledge mobilisation. Evidence and Policy 20(3), pp. 370-392. (10.1332/174426421X16905563871215)
Flinders, M. et al. 2024. Power with purpose? Further reflections on strengthening the centre of government. The Political Quarterly (10.1111/1467-923X.13420)

2023

Connell, A., Downe, J., Durrant, H., MacKillop, E. and Martin, S. 2023. Externalising policy advice within subnational governments. Policy and Politics 51(4), pp. 628-646. (10.1332/030557321X16883943592187)
Martin, S. 2023. ‘Pulling rather than pushing’: A demand-led approach to evidence mobilisation. In: Sanders, M. and Breckon, J. eds. The What Works Centres: Lessons and Insights from an Evidence Movement. Policy Press, pp. 100-113.

2022

Connell, A., St Denny, E. and Martin, S. 2022. How can subnational governments develop and deliver distinctive policy agendas?. International Review of Administrative Sciences 88(4), pp. 1159-1175. (10.1177/0020852321996429)
Elliott, I. C., Bottom, K. A., Carmichael, P., Liddle, J., Martin, S. and Pyper, R. 2022. The fragmentation of public administration: Differentiated and decentered governance in the (dis)United Kingdom. Public Administration 100(1), pp. 98-115. (10.1111/padm.12803)

2021

Andrews, R., Bello, B., Downe, J., Martin, S. and Walker, R. 2021. The motivations for the adoption of management innovation by local governments and its performance effects. Public Administration Review 81(4), pp. 625-637. (10.1111/puar.13375)
Doering, H., Downe, J., Elraz, H. and Martin, S. 2021. Organizational identity threats and aspirations in reputation management. Public Management Review 23(3), pp. 376-396. (10.1080/14719037.2019.1679234)

2014

Entwistle, T. W., Downe, J. D., Guarneros-Meza, V. and Martin, S. J. 2014. The multi-level governance of Wales: layer cake or marble cake?. The British Journal of Politics and International Relations 16(2), pp. 310-325. (10.1111/j.1467-856X.2012.00541.x)
Guarneros-Meza, V., Downe, J. D., Entwistle, T. W. and Martin, S. J. 2014. Putting the citizen at the centre? Assembling local government policy in Wales. Local Government Studies 40(1), pp. 65-82. (10.1080/03003930.2012.707616)
Hay, R. and Martin, S. J. 2014. Controlling local government spending: the implementation and impact of capping council taxes. Local Government Studies 40(2), pp. 224-239. (10.1080/03003930.2013.795890)

2013

Martin, S. J. and Guarneros-Meza, V. 2013. Governing local partnerships: does external steering help local agencies address wicked problems?. Policy & Poltics 41(4), pp. 585-603. (10.1332/030557312X655819)
Martin, S. J., Downe, J. D., Grace, C. and Nutley, S. 2013. New development: All change? Performance assessment regimes in UK local government. Public Money & Management 33(4), pp. 277-280. (10.1080/09540962.2013.799816)
Bolton, N. and Martin, S. J. 2013. The policy and politics of free swimming. International Journal of Sport Policy and Politics 5(3), pp. 445-463. (10.1080/19406940.2012.656689)

2012

Nutley, S., Levitt, R., Solesbury, W. and Martin, S. J. 2012. Scrutinizing performance: how assessors reach judgements about public services. Public Administration 90(4), pp. 869-885. (10.1111/j.1467-9299.2011.02022.x)
Downe, J. D., Martin, S. J. and Bovaird, T. 2012. Learning from complex policy evaluations. Policy and Politics 40(4), pp. 505-523. (10.1332/030557312X645766)
Downe, J. D. and Martin, S. J. 2012. Self regulation in public services: from top down inspection to sector led improvement in English local government. Presented at: BAM2012 - British Academy of Management Annual Conference, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK, 11-13 September 2012.
Martin, S. J., Downe, J. D., Entwistle, T. W. and Guarneros-Meza, V. 2012. Collaborative Public Services Management: Rhetoric or Reality?. Presented at: BAM2012 - British Academy of Management Annual Conference, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK, 11-13 September 2012.
Nutley, S. M., Downe, J. D., Martin, S. J. and Grace, C. 2012. Policy transfer and convergence within the UK: the case of local government performance improvement regimes. Policy & Politics 40(2), pp. 193-209. (10.1332/147084411X581880)
Cowell, R. J. W., Downe, J. D., Martin, S. J. and Chen, A. 2012. Public confidence and public services: it matters what you measure. Policy & Politics 40(1), pp. 120-140. (10.1332/147084411X581862)
Martin, S. J. and Downe, J. D. 2012. Performance management meets partnership working: the case of Comprehensive Area Assessments in England. Presented at: XVI IRSPM 2012 - XVI Annual Conference of the International Research Society for Public Management (IRSPM), University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy, 11-13 April 2012.

2011

Downe, J. D., Martin, S. J. and Bovaird, T. 2011. Can Government policies improve local public services? An assessment of the impacts of top-down reform strategies. Presented at: Association for Public Policy and Analysis (APPAM) International Academic Conference, Moscow, Russia, 28-29 June 2011.
Martin, S. J. 2011. The United Kingdom. In: Heinelt, H. and Bertrana, X. eds. The second tier of local government in Europe: provinces, counties, départements and Landkreise in comparison. Routledge Advances in European Politics Vol. 80. New York, NY: Routledge, pp. 90-105.

2010

Martin, S. J. 2010. Regulation. In: Ashworth, R. E., Boyne, G. A. and Entwistle, T. W. eds. Public Service Improvement: Theories and Evidence. Oxford: Oxford University Press, pp. 36-59.
Hayden, C. et al. 2010. Comprehensive Area Assessment: An evaluation of year 1. London: Shared Intelligence. Available at: http://archive.audit-commission.gov.uk/auditcommission/SiteCollectionDocuments/Downloads/20100316evaluationofcaa.pdf
Andrews, R. W. and Martin, S. J. 2010. Regional variations in public service outcomes: the impact of policy divergence in England, Scotland and Wales. Regional Studies 44(8), pp. 919-934. (10.1080/00343400903401592)
Guarneros-Meza, V., Entwhistle, T. W., Downe, J. D. and Martin, S. J. 2010. How to understand citizen engagement? The making the connections document, Wales. Presented at: WISERD Seminar The understanding of citizen engagement by local authorities and the Welsh Assembly Government, Cardiff, UK, 8 March 2010.
Martin, S. J., Guarneros-Meza, V., Downe, J. D. and Entwhistle, T. W. 2010. Central-local partnership in Wales: the whole truth, a half truth or nothing like the truth?. Presented at: Political Studies Association Specialist Group Conference: British and Comparative Territorial Policies, Oxford, UK, 7-8 January 2010.
Nutley, S., Downe, J. D., Martin, S. J. and Grace, C. 2010. Policy transfer and local government performance improvement regimes. Presented at: 14th Annual Conference of the International Research Society for Public Management (IRSPM), Bern, Switzerland, 7-9 April 2010.
Downe, J. D., Grace, C., Martin, S. J. and Nutley, S. 2010. Theories of public service improvement: A comparative analysis of local performance assessment frameworks. Public Management Review 12(5), pp. 663-678. (10.1080/14719031003633201)
Martin, S. J., Downe, J. D., Grace, C. and Nutley, S. M. 2010. Validity, utilization and evidence-based policy: the development and impact of performance improvement regimes in local public services. Evaluation 16(1), pp. 31-42. (10.1177/1356389009350119)
Martin, S. J. 2010. Co-production of social research: strategies for engaged scholarship. Public Money and Management 30(4), pp. 211-218., article number: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09540962.2010.492180. (10.1080/09540962.2010.492180)
Guarneros-Meza, V., Martin, S. J., Downe, J. D. and Entwistle, T. W. 2010. Interpreting citizen engagement in Wales: a governmantality approach. Presented at: Political Studies Association Annual Conference, Edinburgh, UK, 31 March - 2 April 2010.
Martin, S. J. 2010. Knowledge from inspection: external oversight and information to improve performance. In: Walshe, K., Harvey, G. and Jas, P. eds. Connecting Knowledge and Performance in Public Services: From Knowing to Doing. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp. 16-32., (10.1017/CBO9780511762000.003)
Levitt, R., Martin, S. J., Nutley, S. and Solesbury, W. 2010. Evidence for accountability: Using evidence in the audit, inspection and scrutiny of UK government. Discussion Paper. London: Nuffield Foundation.

2009

Martin, S. J. 2009. Small country governance and public service delivery: central-local relations in Wales. Presented at: Small countries and the global crisis: challenges and opportunities?, Cardiff, UK, 1 July 2009. pp. 1116-1122.
Martin, S. J. 2009. Governance of local public service delivery networks. Presented at: 13th Annual IRSPM Conference, Copenhagen, Denmark, 6-8 April 2009.
Martin, S. J. 2009. Comparing for improvement: local government performance regimes. Presented at: Welsh Public Services in Perspective: Inspection, Performance and Public Attitudes, Cardiff, UK, 11 March 2009.
Entwistle, T. W., Downe, J. D., Guarneros-Meza, V. and Martin, S. J. 2009. Intergovernmental relations in Wales: having your cake and eating it?. Presented at: Public Administration Committee (PAC) Conference 2009, Pontypridd, UK, 7-9 September 2009.
Downe, J. D., Martin, S. J. and Bovaird, T. 2009. Evidence based policy making? Meta-evaluation in the real world. Presented at: Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management (APPAM) 31st Annual Research Conference, Washington DC, USA, 5-7 November 2009.
Martin, S. J., Downe, J. D., Grace, C. and Nutley, S. 2009. Performance improvement regimes: a theoretical framework for the analysis of public services audit and inspection. Presented at: 13th Annual IRSPM Conference, Copenhagen, Denmark, 6-8 April 2009. pp. 61-73.
Martin, S. J. and Webb, A. 2009. 'Citizen-centred' public services: contestability without consumer-driven competition?. Public Money and Management 29(2), pp. 123-130. (10.1080/09540960902768038)
Martin, S. J. 2009. Engaging with citizens and other stakeholders. In: Bovaird, T. and Löffler, E. eds. Public Management and Governance. 2nd ed.. London: Taylor & Francis/Routledge, pp. 189-202.
Martin, S. J. 2009. From new public management to networked community governance? Strategic local public service networks in England. In: Osborne, S. P. ed. The New Public Governance: Emerging Perspectives on the Theory and Practice of Public Governance. Abingdon: Routledge, pp. 337-348.

2008

Bristow, G. I., Entwistle, T. W., Hines, F. and Martin, S. J. 2008. New spaces for inclusion? Lessons from the 'Three-Thirds' Partnerships in Wales. International Journal of Urban and Regional Research 32(4), pp. 903-921. (10.1111/j.1468-2427.2008.00822.x)
Andrews, R. W., Cowell, R. J. W., Downe, J. D., Martin, S. J. and Turner, D. 2008. Supporting Effective Citizenship in Local Government: Engaging, Educating and Empowering Local Citizens. Local Government Studies 34(4), pp. 489-507. (10.1080/03003930802217462)
Martin, S. J. 2008. Inspection and regulation: external oversight and its impact on the use of information to improve performance. Presented at: From knowing to doing: connecting knowledge and performance in public services, Manchester, UK, 23-24 June 2008.
Downe, J. D., Grace, C., Martin, S. J. and Nutley, S. 2008. Best value audits in Scotland: winning without scoring?. Presented at: nternational Research Society for Public Management Annual Conference, Brisbane, Australia, 26th-28th March 2008.
Cowell, R. J. W., Downe, J. D., Martin, S. J. and Chen, A. 2008. Making sense of service improvement: an empirical analysis of public confidence in local government. Presented at: International Research Society for Public Management Annual Conference, Brisbane, Australia, 26th - 28th March 2008.
Downe, J. D., Grace, C., Martin, S. J. and Nutley, S. 2008. Best value audits in Scotland: winning without scoring?. Public Money and Management 28(2), pp. 77-84.
Downe, J. D. and Martin, S. J. 2008. Editorial: Evaluating the local government modernisation agenda: impacts, obstacles and outcomes. Local Government Studies 34(1), pp. 105-107. (10.1080/03003930701803958)
Davis, H. and Martin, S. J. eds. 2008. Public Services Inspection in the UK. Research Highlights in Social Work Vol. 50. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Davis, H. and Martin, S. J. 2008. The future of public services inspection. In: Davis, H. and Martin, S. J. eds. Public Services Inspection in the UK. Research Highlights in Social Work Vol. 50. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, pp. 135-151.
Martin, S. J. and Davis, H. 2008. The rise of public services inspection. In: Martin, S. J. and Davis, H. eds. Public Services Inspection in the UK. Research Highlights in Social Work Vol. 50. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, pp. 7-18.
Martin, S. J. 2008. Wicked issues: progress since Beecham. Agenda, pp. 49-52.
Downe, J. D., Grace, C., Martin, S. J. and Nutley, S. 2008. Best Value Audits in Scotland: Winning Without Scoring?. Public Money and Management 28(2), pp. 77-84. (10.1111/j.1467-9302.2008.00625.x)

2007

Downe, J. D., Grace, C., Nutley, S. and Martin, S. J. 2007. Comparing for improvement: Local government performance regimes in England, Scotland and Wales. Discussion Paper. London: Solace Foundation Imprint. Available at: http://www.publicservices.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/dp_0705_final-2007_11_27.pdf
Downe, J. D., Bovaird, T., Martin, S. J. and Chen, A. 2007. Reinventing governmental relationships in the UK: Emerging evidence on the impacts of modernising local governance in a centralist state. Presented at: British Academy of Management Annual Conference, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK, 11-13 September 2007.
Downe, J. D. and Martin, S. J. 2007. Inspecting for improvement? Emerging patterns of public service regulation in the UK. Environment and Planning C: Government and Policy 25(3), pp. 410-422. (10.1068/c59m)
Grace, C., Nutley, S., Downe, J. D. and Martin, S. J. 2007. 'Decisive moment': Independent review of the Best Value Audit Process: Final report to the Accounts Commission and Audit Scotland. Project Report. [Online]. Edinburgh: Accounts Commission. Available at: http://www.audit-scotland.gov.uk/docs/local/2007/bv_070725_review.pdf
Downe, J. D. and Martin, S. J. 2007. Regulation inside government: processes and impacts of inspection of local public services. Policy & Politics 35(2), pp. 215-232. (10.1332/030557307780712997)
Martin, S. J. and Webb, A. 2007. The conditions for collaboration: early learning from Wales. In: Parker, S. and Gallagher, N. eds. The Collaborative State: How Working Together can Transform Public Services. London: Demos, pp. 61-70.
Entwistle, T. W., Bristow, G. I., Hines, F., Donaldson, S. and Martin, S. J. 2007. The dysfunctions of markets, hierarchies and networks in the meta-governance of partnership. Urban Studies 44(1), pp. 63-79. (10.1080/00420980601023836)
Grace, C., Fletcher, K., Martin, S. J. and Bottrill, I. 2007. Making and managing markets: contestability, competition and improvement in local government: final report to the Audit Commission. Project Report. [Online]. London: Audit Commission. Available at: http://www.audit-commission.gov.uk/SiteCollectionDocuments/AuditCommissionReports/NationalStudies/Makingandmanagingmarkets_Cardiff.pdf
Andrews, R. W. and Martin, S. J. 2007. Has Devolution Improved Public Services?. Public Money & Management 27(2), pp. 149-156. (10.1111/j.1467-9302.2007.00571.x)
Entwistle, T. W. and Martin, S. J. 2007. Feasibility study into the long-term evaluation of local government policy in Wales. Working paper. Cardiff: Cardiff University.
Bolton, N., Martin, S. J., Jennings, C. and Anderson, M. 2007. Evaluation of the Free Swimming Initiative: final report. Project Report. London: Welsh Assembly Government.

2006

Martin, S. J. et al. 2006. The long-term evaluation of the Best Value regime: Final Report. Project Report. [Online]. Centre for Local & Regional Government Research, Cardiff University/Department for Communities and Local Government: London. Available at: http://www.bipsolutions.com/docstore/pdf/14946.pdf
Bovaird, T., Downe, J. D. and Martin, S. J. 2006. Designing policy for service improvement in UK local government, 1997-2005: Emerging evidence from a meta-evaluation. Presented at: 10th International Research Symposium on Public Management (IRSPM X), Glasgow, UK, 10-12 April 2006.
Andrews, R. W., Cowell, R. J. W., Downe, J. D., Martin, S. J. and Turner, D. 2006. Promoting effective citizenship and community empowerment: A guide for local authorities on enhancing capacity for public participation. Project Report. [Online]. London: Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. Available at: http://www.safercommunitiesscotland.org/Documents/Promoting%20Effective%20Citizenship%20and%20Community%20Empowerment%20(2006).pdf
Martin, S. J. ed. 2006. Public service improvement: policies, progress and prospects. Abingdon: Routledge.
Downe, J. D. and Martin, S. J. 2006. Joined up policy in practice? The coherence and impacts of the local government modernisation agenda. Local Government Studies 32(4), pp. 465-488. (10.1080/03003930600793045)
Andrews, R. W., Boyne, G. A., Chen, A. and Martin, S. J. 2006. Population size and local authority performance. London: Department for Communities and Local Government.
Ashworth, R. E., Copus, C., Downe, J. D., Martin, S. J. and Williams, P. 2006. Review of the role and functions of elected members: literature review. Cardiff: Welsh Assembly Government. Available at: http://business.cardiff.ac.uk/research/groups/centre-local-and-regional-government-research/research-projects/functions-of-elected-members
Bovaird, T., Martin, S. J., Downe, J. D. and Chen, A. 2006. Reinventing governmental relationship in the UK: Emerging evidence on the impacts of modernising local governance in a centralist state. Presented at: Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management 28th Annual Fall Research Conference, Madison, WI, USA, 2-4 November 2006.
Martin, S. J. and Andrews, R. W. 2006. Taking stock of service improvement. Presented at: Wales Governance Centre ESRC Conference on Devolution in Wales: Taking Stock, Moving Forward, Cardiff, UK, 7-8 July 2006.
Beecham, J., Martin, S. J., Morgan, G. and Webb, A. 2006. Beyond boundaries: citizen-centred local services for Wales. Technical Report.
Martin, S. J. and Andrews, R. W. 2006. Performance and perceptions of local public services. Project Report. Cardiff: Welsh Assembly Government.
Loughlin, J. P. and Martin, S. J. 2006. The free communes experiments: lessons for policy in England. Discussion Paper. Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

2005

Downe, J. D., Bovaird, T. and Martin, S. J. 2005. Designing policy for service improvement in UK local government, 1997-2004: Emerging evidence from a meta-evaluation. Presented at: Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management (APPAM) Fall Research Conference 2005, Washington, DC, USA, 3-5 November 2005.
Martin, S. J. 2005. Speeches and Addresses: Evaluation, Inspection and the Improvement Agenda: Contrasting Fortunes in an Era of Evidence-Based Policy-Making. Evaluation 11(4), pp. 496-504. (10.1177/1356389005059385)
Martin, S. J., Enticott, G. P., Entwistle, T. W. and Chen, A. 2005. Drivers of the performance of public services: An empirical analysis of the impact of current reforms. Presented at: British Academy of Management (BAM) Conference 2005, Oxford, UK, 13-15 September 2005.
Downe, J. D. and Martin, S. J. 2005. Inspecting for improvement? Emerging patterns of public service regulation in the UK. Presented at: Twentieth Annual Employment Research Unit Annual Conference, Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK, 6-7 September 2005.
Bristow, G. I., Roberts, A., Martin, S. J. and Munday, M. C. R. 2005. Mid-term review of the Objective 1 programme for West Wales and the Valleys. Project Report. Cardiff, UK: CRG.
Downe, J. D. and Martin, S. J. 2005. External inspection and internal scrutiny: complementary or contrasting approaches to the regulation of local public services?. Presented at: ESRC Seminar on Accountability, Scrutiny and Regulation, Cardiff, UK, 8 June 2005.
Entwistle, T. W. and Martin, S. J. 2005. From Competition to Collaboration in Public Service Delivery: A New Agenda for Research. Public Administration 83(1), pp. 233-242. (10.1111/j.0033-3298.2005.00446.x)
Martin, S. J. 2005. Public service improvement: Current developments and future research agendas [Editorial]. Local Government Studies 31(5), pp. 531-540. (10.1080/03003930500293427)
Turner, D. and Martin, S. J. 2005. Social entrepreneurs and social inclusion: Building local capacity or delivering national priorities?. International Journal of Public Administration 28(9-10), pp. 797-806. (10.1081/PAD-200067342)
Bovaird, T., Martin, S. J., Downe, J. D., Ashworth, R. E. and Chen, A. 2005. Meta-evaluation of the Local Government Modernisation Agenda: Overall progress report. London: Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
Martin, S. J. et al. 2005. Drivers of performance in local public services: evaluation of the long-term impact of the Best Value Regime. Project Report. London: Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
Downe, J. D., Andrews, A., Cowell, R. J. W., Martin, S. J. and Turner, T. 2005. Supporting citizenship and local democracy: The role of local government. London: Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
Loughlin, J. P. and Martin, S. J. 2005. Options for reforming local government funding to increase local streams of funding: international comparisons. Discussion Paper. London: HM Treasury.
Martin, S. J. 2005. Performance management and measurement: experience in European countries. Council of Europe Directorate of Co-operation for Local and Regional Democracy.
Martin, S. J. and Bovaird, T. 2005. Progress report on service improvement in local government. Project Report. London: Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

2004

Bovaird, T., Martin, S. J. and Downe, J. 2004. Performancemeasurement for evidence-based strategies of multilevel public service reform. Presented at: Performance Measurement and Management: Public and Private. PMA 2004 Conference, Edinburgh, UK, 28 - 30 July 2004.
Beynon-Davies, P. and Martin, S. J. 2004. Electronic local government and the modernisation agenda: progress and prospects for public service improvement.. Local government studies 30(2), pp. 214-229. (10.1080/0300303042000267245)
Martin, S. J. and Bovaird, A. 2004. Citizen and user participation in the UK: experiences and trends. In: Loffler, E. and Vintar, M. eds. Improving the Quality of East and West European Public Services. Ashgate, pp. 236-251.
Loughlin, J. P. and Martin, S. J. 2004. Local income tax in Sweden: reform and continuity. Discussion Paper. London, UK: Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
Martin, S. J. and Turner, D. N. 2004. Managerialism meets community development: contracting for social inclusion?. Policy & Politics 32(1), pp. 21-32. (10.1332/030557304772860021)
Martin, S. J. and Downe, J. D. 2004. Inspecting for improvement? Emerging patterns of Public Service Regulation in the UK. Presented at: IRSPM VIII: 8th International Research Symposium on Public Management, Budapest, Hungary, 31 March - 2 April 2004 Presented at Jenei, G. et al. eds.Challenges of Public Management Reforms: Theoretical Perspectives and Recommendations. Budapest: Budapest University of Economic Sciences and Public Administration pp. 48-71.
Boyne, G. A., Martin, S. J. and Walker, R. 2004. Explicit reforms, implicit theories and public service improvement. Public Management Review 6(2), pp. 189-210. (10.1080/1471903042000189092)
Martin, S. J. 2004. The changing face of public service inspection. Public Money and Management 24(1), pp. 3-5. (10.1111/j.1467-9302.2004.00384.x)
Downe, J. D., Entwistle, T. W. and Martin, S. J. 2004. An assessment of the WLGA's proposals for excellence Wales. Project Report. Cardiff: Welsh Local Government Association.
Bovaird, A. G., Martin, S. J. and Downe, J. D. 2004. Evaluating outcomes and processes in multi-level public sector governance. Presented at: Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management, Atlanta, USA, 28-30 October 2004.
Davies, H., Downe, J. D. and Martin, S. J. 2004. The changing role of Audit Commission inspection of local government. Working paper. York: Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Available at: http://www.jrf.org.uk/sites/files/jrf/1859352391.pdf
Turner, D. and Martin, S. J. 2004. Delivering social inclusion: an evaluation of the Neighbourhood Support Fund. Discussion Paper. National Youth Agency.
Martin, S. J. 2004. Public services regulation and inspection: key issues. Evidence to the Wales Local Government and Public Services Committee. Welsh Assembly.
Loughlin, J. P., Martin, S. J. and Lux, S. 2004. The role of neighbourhoods in regeneration: some lessons from Europe. Discussion Paper. Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

2003

Ferlie, E., Hartley, J. and Martin, S. J. 2003. Changing Public Service Organizations: Current Perspectives and Future Prospects. British Journal of Management 14(S1), pp. S1-S14. (10.1111/j.1467-8551.2003.00389.x)
Martin, S. J. 2003. On Public Management Reform [Book review]. British Journal of Management 14(S1), pp. 79-81. (10.1111/j.1467-8551.2003.00394.x)
Loughlin, J. and Martin, S. J. 2003. International lessons on the balance of funding issues: initial paper. Project Report. [Online]. Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. Available at: http://campaigns.libdems.org.uk/user_files/axethetax/balance_of_funding_issues.pdf
Martin, S. J. et al. 2003. Evaluation of the long-term impact of the Best Value regime: baseline report. Cardiff: Cardiff University.
Cowell, R. J. W. and Martin, S. J. 2003. The joy of joining up: modes of integrating the local government modernisation agenda. Environment and Planning C Government and Policy 21(2), pp. 159-179. (10.1068/c0135)
Bovaird, T. and Martin, S. J. 2003. Evaluating Public Management Reform: Designing a 'Joined Up' Approach to Researching the Local Government Modernisation Agenda. Local Government Studies 29(4), pp. 17-30. (10.1080/03003930308559387)
Martin, S. J. and Bovaird, T. 2003. Joining up local government research: the problems and the potential of evaluating the Local Government Modernisation Agenda. Local Governance 29(2), pp. 97-106.
Dowson, L., Martin, S. J. and Sanderson, I. 2003. Best Value, community planning and service improvement in modern local government. Presented at: British Academy of Management Conference 2003, Harrogate, UK, 15-17 September 2003.
Martin, S. J. et al. 2003. Evaluation of the long-term impact of the Best Value regime: first interim report. London: Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
Ashworth, R. E., Entwistle, T. W. and Martin, S. J. 2003. The future role of elected members. Manchester: Association for Public Service Excellence.
Boyne, G. A., Martin, S. J. and Reid, S. 2003. Strategies for organisational recovery in local government: Review of models and evidence. London: Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
Martin, S. J. 2003. Local government research: carers, coroners or collaborators?. Presented at: ESRC Seminar on Local Government and Governance, Birmingham, UK, 2003.
Oztel, H., Martin, S. J. and Geddes, M. 2003. Policy development and partnership performance improvement in France: A study of inter-organizational learning at Présence Rhône-Alpes. Presented at: British Academy of Management Annual Conference, Harrogate, UK, 2003.
Dowson, L., Martin, S. J. and Sanderson, I. 2003. Rational management and performance improvement in modern local government: The role of evaluation. Presented at: Public Administration and Management Conference, Imperial College, London, UK, 2003.
Bristow, G. I., Entwistle, T. W., Hines, F. and Martin, S. J. 2003. Partnership working between the public, private and voluntary sectors in Wales. Working paper. Cardiff: Welsh Assembly Government.
Bristow, G. I., Roberts, A., Martin, S. J. and Munday, M. C. R. 2003. Mid-term review of the Objective 3 operational programme for East Wales. Project Report. CRG.
Martin, S. J. 2003. Janice Caulfield and Helge O. Larsen (eds) Local Government at the Millennium [Book review]. Public Management Review 5(4), pp. 597-600. (10.1080/1471903032000178617)

2002

Martin, S. J. 2002. The Modernization of UK Local Government: Markets, Managers, Monitors and Mixed Fortunes. Public Management Review 4(3), pp. 291-307. (10.1080/14616670210151595)
Turner, D. N. and Martin, S. J. 2002. Excluding the usual suspects? A preliminary evaluation of the Neighbourhood Support Fund. Presented at: Social Policy Association Conference: 'Localities, Regeneration and Welfare', July 2002.
Ashworth, R. E., Boyne, G. A., Enticott, G. P., Martin, S. J. and Walker, R. M. 2002. Corporateness and organizational performance in local government: An empirical analysis. Presented at: 6th International Research Symposium on Public Management (IRSPM6), Edinburgh, UK, 8-10 April 2002.
Davis, H. and Martin, S. J. 2002. Evaluating the Best Value Pilot Programme: Measuring 'Success' and 'Improvement'. Local Government Studies 28(2), pp. 55-68. (10.1080/714004140)
Sanderson, I., Dowson, L. and Martin, S. J. 2002. Beyond performance management: Evaluative capacity and 'modern' local government. Presented at: Sixth International Research Symposium on Public Management (IRSPM6), Edinburgh, UK, 8-10 April 2002.
Boyne, G. A., Enticott, G., Martin, S. J., Walker, R. M. and Ashworth, R. E. 2002. Best value and English local government: Summary of baseline census results. Project Report. London: Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
Martin, S. J. and Davis, H. 2002. Inspecting local government: An agent for public service improvement?. Public Management and Policy Association Review 19, pp. 6-7.
Martin, S. J. 2002. Local Government to measure itself. Agenda Spring, pp. 41-43.
Martin, S. J. 2002. The challenge of Best Value: Seven keys to successful reviews. Local Governance 28(1), pp. 23-34.
Martin, S. J. 2002. Draft Local Government Bill, House of Commons Urban Affairs Sub-Committee, Session 2001-2002. London, UK: Stationery Office: London.
Entwistle, T. W., Martin, S. J. and Enticott, G. P. 2002. Make or buy: The value of internal service providers in local government. Project Report. London: PSNet.
Bristow, G. I., Entwistle, T. W., Hines, F., Martin, S. J., Morgan, K. and Pithouse, A. J. 2002. Partnerships between the public, private and voluntary sectors: literature and document survey. Discussion Paper. Cardiff, UK: Cardiff University.

2001

Martin, S. J. 2001. Best value: new public management or new direction. In: McLaughlin, K., Ferlie, E. and Osborne, S. P. eds. New Public Management: Current Trends and Future Prospects. Routledge, pp. 129-140.
Martin, S. J. and Thurston, R. 2001. Evaluation post devolution: Challenges and opportunities. Presented at: UK Evaluation Society Annual Conference, Belfast, UK, 5-7 December 2001.
Martin, S. J. and Davis, H. 2001. What works and for whom? The competing rationalities of 'Best Value'. Policy & Politics 29(4), pp. 465-475. (10.1332/0305573012501477)
Martin, S. J. 2001. Introduction: Re-evaluating public service improvement: the early impacts of the BestValue regime [Editorial]. Policy & Politics 29(4), pp. 447-450.
Martin, S. J. and Davis, H. 2001. Implications of the Best Value regime for independent living. Presented at: Cost effectiveness and independent living, June 2002 Presented at O'Neill, A. and Lewis, J. eds.Cost-effectiveness and Independent Living: Proceedings of a JRF Conference, June 2000. York: Joseph Rowntree Foundation pp. 37-62.
Downe, J. D., Martin, S. J. and Davies, H. 2001. The impact of external inspection on local government - delivering improvement or drowning in detail?. Discussion Paper. York: Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Available at: http://www.jrf.org.uk/sites/files/jrf/921.pdf
Boyne, G. A., Martin, S. J. and Walker, R. M. 2001. Best Value, organizational change and performance improvement: a theory of change paper. Discussion Paper. Cardiff: Local & Regional Government Research Unit, Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University.
Martin, S. J. et al. 2001. Improving local public services: Final Report of the Best Value Pilot Programme. Project Report. [Online]. Coventry: Warwick Business School. Available at: http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/localgovernment/pdf/145887.pdf
Martin, S. J., Davis, H. and Downe, J. D. 2001. External inspection of local government: Driving improvement or drowning in detail?. Project Report. [Online]. York: The Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Available at: http://www.jrf.org.uk/sites/files/jrf/1859352979.pdf
Martin, S. J. 2001. Re-engineering local government: the impacts of the Best Value regime on service improvement. Presented at: Fifth International Research Symposium on Public Management, Barcelona, Spain, 9-11 April 2001.
Cowell, R. J. W. and Martin, S. J. 2001. Integrating best value and other initiatives. Discussion Paper. Improvement and Development Agency for Local Government.
Bovaird, T., Martin, S. J. and Sanderson, I. 2001. The feasibility of evaluating the impacts of the Local Government Modernisation Agenda: a consultation paper. Discussion Paper. Cardiff, UK: Cardiff University - Local & Regional Government Research Unit.

My research focuses on evidence-informed public policy and research impact. I have a particular interest in local government policy, performance improvement and external inspection of public services.

I have led numerous large-scale multi-disciplinary research programmes and am a passiontate advocate for academically rigorous, policy relevant social science research that helps inform national and local policy decisions.

I have founded and directed three major research centres, published more than 90 papers in peer reviewed journals, and authored three top-rated REF impact cases.

Selected Research projects

Wales Centre for Public Policy, Economic & Social Research Council, 2022-2028, £7 million.
International Public Policy Observatory, Economic & Social Research Council, 2023-2025, £2 million.
Wales Centre for Public Policy, Economic & Social Research Council 2017-2022, £6.1 million.
The value of trades unions, Wales TUC, 2019, £25,000.
Increasing the impact of the What Works Network across the UK, Economic & Social Research Council, 2017-2018, £75,000.
Wales Programme for Government, Economic and Social Research Council, 2017, £16,574.
Constitutional change and devolution, Economic and Social Research Council, 2015-2017, £160,000.
What Works in Tackling Poverty, Economic and Social Research Council, 2014-2017, £200,000.
Public Policy Institute for Wales, Welsh Government, 2013-2017, £1.8 million.
Wales Public Services 2025, NHS Confederation, WLGA, Solace, CHC and WCVA, 2015-2018, £150,000.
Managerial innovation in local government, Cardiff University, 2014-2018, £100,000.
Local Government Knowledge Navigator, Economic and Social Research Council, 2012-2014, £150,000.
Seeds of Change: the Future of Welsh Public Services, Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Big Lottery and Carnegie UK, 2012-2013, £55,100.
Evaluation of the local services board ESF development and priority delivery project, Welsh Government, 2012-2016, £150,000.
Independent Evaluation of Fire Peer Challenge, Chief Fire Officers Association and Local Government Association, 2013-2014, £20,000.
Independent Evaluation of Corporate Peer Challenge, Local Government Association, 2012-2014, £51,000.
Developing meta-evaluation methods, Economic and Social Research Council, 2010-2012, £25,000.
Expert Panel on Local Governance, Department of Communities and Local Government, 2009-2010, £188,000.
Independent assessment of Comprehensive Area Assessment, Audit Commission, 2009-2010, £85,000.
Learning to Improve: Independent evaluation of local government policy, Welsh Assembly Government, 2008-2012, £540, 800.
The impact and effectiveness of the ethical framework in local government, Standards Board for England (2008-2011)
Comparing for improvement: the development and impact of public services audit and inspection, Economic and Social Research Council (2006-2008)
Competition and contestability in public services, Audit Commission (2006-2008)
Review of the Best Value Audit Process, Accounts Commission (2006-2007)
International approaches to local governance, Department for Communities and Local Government (2004-2007)
Meta-evaluation of the Local Government Modernisation Agenda, Department for Communities and Local Government (2003-2007)
Independent review of the role and effectiveness of councillors, Welsh Assembly Government (2006-2007)
Evaluation of the long term impact of the Best Value regime, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (2001-2006)
Mid tern review of structural fund Objective 1 and 3 programmes, Wales European Funding Office (2002-2003)
Evaluation of the Neighbourhood Support Fund, National Youth Agency (2001-2004)
Beyond performance management, Economic and Social Research Council (2001-2004)
The impact of inspection on local government, Joseph Rowntree Foundation (2001-2004)
Partnership working between the public, private and voluntary sector, Welsh Assembly Government (2001-2003)
Evaluation of the Best Value Pilot Programme, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1997-2000)

Additional teaching

I established and led Cardiff University's successful Masters of Public Administration programme for six years and have taught MBA and undergraduate programmes at Aston, Birmingham and Warwick Universities.

I have served as external examiner for Masters Queen Mary University, Birmingham University and Trinity College Dublin and have examined PhD theses at a range of universities.

I taught on Local Government Improvement & Development Agency's Leadership Academy and its Graduate Diploma Programme for many years, and have provided in-house training for the National Audit Office and a range of local authorities. I led the 'Understanding Whitehall' for senior local authority officers and elected members, and I was a module leader on the European Union's MEANS programme, providing training in evaluation methods to senior Commission officials.

Qualifications

DipITP, University of Marseilles
PhD, Aston University
BA (Hons) First Class, Oxford University

Honours and awards

Economic & Social Research Council Prize for Outstanding Impact on Public Policy, finalist (2019)
Cardiff University Impact and Innovation Award, winner (2018)
Cardiff University Excellence in Research Leadership, finalist (2017)

Professional memberships

UK What Works Council
International Public Policy Observatory Advisory Group
PolicyWise Advisory Group
Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence Advisory Group

Academic positions

Director, Wales Centre for Public Policy (2013-2024)
Director, Centre for Local & Regional Government Research, Cardiff University (2000-2014)
Reader, University of Warwick (1999-2000)
Principal Research Fellow, Warwick Business School (1994-1999)
Lecturer, Aston Business School (1988-1994)
ESRC Research Fellow (1986-1988)

Committees and reviewing

Editor - Policy & Politics (2015-2020)
Editorial Board - Public Money & Management, Policy & Politics
Grant Reviewer - Economic and Social Research Council, Medical Research Council, Nuffield Foundation
Journal Reviewer - Public Administration, Public Management Review, Regional Studies, Local Government Studies, Public Money & Management.

Contact Details

MartinSJ@cardiff.ac.uk
+44 29208 75202
sbarc|spark, Floor Second Floor, Room 2.37, Maindy Road, Cathays, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ

Specialisms

Public Policy
Public administration
Public Services

Leading politicians and academics commit to key policy challenges facing Wales

Professor Stephen Martin

Teams and roles for Stephen Martin

Emeritus Professor

Overview

Publication

2024

2023

2022

2021

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

Articles

Book sections

Books

Conferences

Monographs

Research

Selected Research projects

Teaching

Additional teaching

Biography

Qualifications

Honours and awards

Professional memberships

Academic positions

Committees and reviewing

Contact Details

Specialisms

Related news

Leading politicians and academics commit to key policy challenges facing Wales

The Wales Centre for Public Policy receives £9m investment

New public policy research and knowledge exchange academic network launched