INSTITUTIONAL TRANSFORMATION OF THE CENTRAL EXECUTIVE AUTHORITIES IN THE SOCIAL SPHERE UNDER CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES

Abstract

Purpose. The aim of the study is to examine the institutional transformation of the system of central executive authorities (hereinafter – CEAs) in the social sphere of Ukraine under conditions of martial law, decentralization, and public administration reform, as well as to assess its impact on the delineation of functions related to the formulation and implementation of social policy as a key factor in the effectiveness of social governance and administration. Methodology. The research is based on systemic and institutional approaches, employing structural-functional analysis, legal and regulatory analysis, and elements of comparative analysis of organizational models. The study examines changes in the activities of the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine (hereinafter – the Ministry of Social Policy), as well as the CEAs whose activities it directs and coordinates, in particular the Pension Fund of Ukraine, the National Social Service of Ukraine, and the State Service of Ukraine for Children. Scientific novelty. The study provides a comprehensive analysis of the transformation of the institutional architecture of CEAs in the social sphere under new socio-political conditions, substantiates the logic of the functional redistribution of powers, and уточнює coordination challenges among the actors of social governance and administration. Conclusions. The implemented transformations contributed to the organizational delineation of functions related to the formulation and implementation of state social policy by transferring functions not inherent to the Ministry of Social Policy to existing or newly established CEAs in the social sphere. At the same time, several issues remain unresolved, including insufficient interagency coordination, duplication of functions, the incomplete organizational model of CEAs at the regional and subregional levels, and inconsistencies in the interaction between territorial bodies and local selfgovernment authorities.