Over the past two decades politicians have delegated many political decisions to expert agencies or `quangos', and portrayed the associated issues, like monetary or drug policy, as technocratic or managerial. At the same time an increasing number of important political decisions are being removed from democratic public debate altogether, leading many commentators to argue that they are part of a `crisis of democracy', marking the `end of politics'. Tracing the political uses a broad range of international case studies to chart the politicising and depoliticising dynamics that shape debates about the future of governance and the liberal democratic state. The book is part of the New perspectives in policy and politics series, and will be an important text for students of politics and policy, as well as researchers and policy makers.

Invaluable workbook to help GPs and practice staff meet the requirements of continuing professional development (cpd)

General practitioners, like all other health professionals, need to keep up-to-date with the latest developments in medicine and education. They also need to respond to changing technology and changes in the delivery of care. The environment in which GPs work is extremely dynamic but this book helps to keep GPs up-to-date with these advancements and with their professional skills.

The Chief Medical Officer in the UK has recommended that the key to professional development is a Practice Professional Development Plan (PPDP) which, in turn, helps set objectives for individual GPs, the Personal Development Plan.

This workbook takes the mystery out of professional development by explaining how to use existing information to analyse strengths and weaknesses, priorities and needs, and to develop a plan that will improve working life on all levels and leading ultimately to improved patient care.

This book provides tangible methods for how to implement an abstract concept that is being foisted on busy professionals - a must read for every GP in the UK.