This article builds a conceptual framework for understanding the gendered character (and effects) of institutional formation, and tests it in a case study of the new Police and Crime Commissioners in England and Wales. Inspired by new institutionalism's generic claim that ‘the organisation of...

Massive cuts in public spending are demanding a new era of collaborative working among partners in English local governance. Partnerships have the capacity to pool assets, share scarce resources and leverage new forms of social and human capital. City-wide partnerships are also ideal vehicles...