Research students in the department

Catherine Gardner

The basis of my Ph.D. has been developing the concept of administrative practices in the Home Office, looking particularly at the use of discretion within the process by officials. The research has focused upon aspects of policy-making and methods of communication within the Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND).

Studies of policy are traditionally focused upon the decision making process, but the fact that policies are interpreted and applied (or ignored) and communicated to the public by lower level administrative officials is often ignored by analysts.

The title of this thesis reflects my focus on the ways in which this seemingly mundane administrative process translates the aspiration of 'policy' into the reality of everyday action and the effects.