Exploring the Impact of Devolution on State-third Sector Relations in Wales (+3 Studentship)

Applications are being sought for a prestigious, full-time ESRC Doctoral Training Centre for Wales (Wales DTC) PhD Studentship to be based in the School of Social Sciences at Cardiff University, to begin in October 2016.

The framing of state-third sector relations in constitutional law is a singular aspect of the Welsh devolution statute. The Government of Wales Act (2006, s.74) states that ‘Welsh Ministers must make a scheme (“the Voluntary Sector Scheme”) setting out how they propose, in the exercise of their functions, to promote the interests of relevant voluntary organisations’. In the devolution statute this falls under the heading ‘An “Inclusive” approach to exercise of functions.’ Proponents argue that this provides the basis for effective inter-sectoral working and promotes engagement through measures such as the Third Sector Partnership Council. Applications are therefore invited to explore the impact of devolution on state-third sector relations in Wales through detailed empirical data analysis and theoretical engagement.

About the School:
We take an interdisciplinary approach to the Social Sciences to create a dynamic and engaged teaching and research environment. The School of Social Sciences is an internationally recognised centre of excellence in research and teaching across a range of subject areas including sociology, policy studies, criminology, education and social work.

The School currently has over 220 academic staff, and around 1000 undergraduate and postgraduate students. We have a strong commitment to developing programmes of study that benefit from the research expertise and achievements of staff in the School.

We are home to a number of world-leading research centres, and these engage across a range of research themes. Our students have the opportunity to work with and learn from world class scholars, alongside students from across the world. The School has a thriving postgraduate research community, with both PhD and Professional Doctorate programmes. We also offer a number of courses for professional development.

The School collaborates with major universities and scholars from around the world, as well as enjoying excellent links with local businesses, public and third sector organisations, policy makers and practitioners.

About the University:
Cardiff University is acknowledged as one of Britain’s leading teaching and research universities, held in high esteem both nationally and internationally. Its world-leading research was ranked 5th amongst UK universities in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework for quality and 2nd for impact.

Cardiff University is also the home of the ESRC funded Wales DTC, part of a national network of 21 accredited Doctoral Training Centres across the UK judged by the ESRC to deliver truly excellent postgraduate training provision.