Management of Public Health Services: Social Organizations in Brazil and NHS Foundation Trusts in the United Kingdom in Terms of Autonomy, Community Governance, and Oversight

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.2319-0558.v13n2p119-137

Keywords:

Social Organizations, NHS Foundation Trusts, Public Health Management, Community Governance, Oversight

Abstract

This article presents a comparative analysis of the Brazilian model of Social Organizations (OS) and the United Kingdom’s NHS Foundation Trusts, focusing on institutional autonomy, community governance, and oversight. Although portrayed as similar hybrid models for public health management, they differ significantly in structure, regulation, and democratic legitimacy. In Brazil, OS enjoy broad contractual autonomy, lack national standardization, and operate under fragile mechanisms of public participation. In contrast, NHS Foundation Trusts — established by the Health and Social Care Act 2003 — are legally required to implement community governance, maintain direct parliamentary accountability, and undergo rigorous external oversight by NHS England and the Care Quality Commission. The findings suggest that problems in the Brazilian model stem from weak regulatory structures, insufficient accountability, and a lack of participatory governance. The British experience demonstrates the importance of strong legal frameworks and institutional checks, though the article emphasizes that direct transplantation between systems with different political and historical contexts is neither feasible nor desirable. Nevertheless, Brazil can draw relevant lessons from the UK regarding oversight, transparency, and community involvement.

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Author Biography

  • Daniel Belanga, University of São Paulo

    Advogado, professor universitário e especialista em Direito Administrativo. Presidente da Comissão de Direito Administrativo da 26 Subseção da OAB/SP, também ocupou o cargo de Secretário adjunto de Negócios Jurídicos do Município de Tatuí e é professor titular de Direito Administrativo na Anhanguera Educacional Campus Itapetininga.

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Published

2026-07-01

Issue

Section

ARTIGOS CIENTÍFICOS

How to Cite

Belanga, D. (2026). Management of Public Health Services: Social Organizations in Brazil and NHS Foundation Trusts in the United Kingdom in Terms of Autonomy, Community Governance, and Oversight. Revista Digital De Direito Administrativo, 13(2), 119-137. https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.2319-0558.v13n2p119-137