The role of charitable funding in the provision of public services: the case of the English and Welsh National Health Service

The role of charity in the provision public services is substantial academic and practitioner interest, charitable initiative within English Welsh National Health Service (NHS) has recently received considerable attention. This study provides rich insights into that NHS-linked charities present themselves as playing NHS. dataset analysed a novel construction 3,250 detailed expenditure lines from 676 sets accounts. Qualitative content analysis itemised descriptions allows us to explore how these portray their activities. We distinguish between expenditures can be framed supplementary government funding (such amenities comforts) items suggest effort substituting for support clinical equipment). also consider claims being made through representations, distinctiveness NHS spheres are currently under question. argue that, representational practices, both shaping blurring expected roles charity. Acceptance benefits does provide, terms innovation, pluralism participation, must tempered with realisation funds service not guided by clear policy, this potential widen existing inequalities key service.