The UK Association for Public Administration's inaugural conference continues the Joint University Council Public Administration Committee’s tradition of the annual conference which is open to scholars from member and non-member institutions. Marking our commitment to international scholarship, the importance of  relationships with other public administration  learned societies,  and the recognition that global problems require global solutions,  we are delighted to co-host this  event with the American Society for Public Administration’s & Section on Public Administration Education (SPAE).

Perma austerity and ongoing uncertainty continue to place public services at risk and as a result, academics, policy makers and practitioners remain exercised by its challenges. Across the globe, references are being made to ‘polycrises’ where multiple intersecting crises are impacting and intensifying to create perfect storms of seemingly intractable problems. Workforces are operating under considerable stress and the combined and detrimental effect of increased service demand, ongoing austerity, labour and skill shortages alongside recruitment  difficulties are entrenching persistent challenges,  at a time when the repercussions of COVID-19 still exert impact. How can these circumstances be reversed in the face of restraint and retrenchment? Furthermore, is it possible for public sectors to better adapt to their environments, work more effectively with stake holders, and harness available resources to innovate?

This two-day conference seeks to provide a space for academics, researchers, doctoral research students and practitioners to discuss the future of public services. The multi-disciplinary nature of the event will provide opportunities for colleagues from the various dimensions of public administration (and allied subjects) to connect and engage in open dialogue and vigorous debate.

We warmly invite colleagues from member and non-member institutions to submit conceptual, theoretical, methodological, and empirically focused proposals for papers, panels, and roundtables. We welcome contributions that focus on all topics and contexts relevant to the future of public services, in the UK and the international context. This  conference is committed to inclusivity and opportunity and abides by UKAPA’s values.