Professionalism, Payment by Results and the Probation Service: A Qualitative Study of the Impact of Marketisation on Professional Autonomy

This article utilises Foucauldian understandings of the sociology professions to explore how marketising reforms probation services in England and Wales, implementation a ‘Payment by Results’ (PbR) mechanism particular, have impacted professional autonomy. Drawing on an ethnographic study office within privately owned Community Rehabilitation Company, it argues that inability control socio-economic organisation work has rendered service susceptible challenges autonomy over technique. PbR was proffered as means restore practitioner discretion; however, demonstrates staff been compelled economise their autonomy, adapting conduct conform market-related forms accountability. In this sense, presents Transforming case impact marketisation practitioners working public sector profession.