In the dissertation work, a comprehensive study of the theoretical and methodological foundations of the functioning and development of the institutional foundations of social policy is carried out and scientific and practical recommendations for their improvement in Ukraine in the context of European integration is developed.
The essential understanding of the institution of social policy in form and content as a social system, the element and characteristic feature of which is state powers and functions, which is aimed at ensuring the successful implementation of a certain need of the entire society or a significant part of it is defined. This system operates on the basis of a set of official, formal norms, values, statuses and roles expressed in specific regulatory documents and organizational social structures, as well as in sustainable social and professional practices.
The concept of " institutional support of social policy” is offered. The structure and relationships between elements of social policy institutions are outlined. It is established that the structure of institutional support for social policy unites its subjects, objects, goals and objectives. It includes an interconnected system of representations and purposeful activities of the state, socio-political institutions, enterprises and individual citizens, aimed at the social sphere (education, health, social protection, etc.) to ensure conflict-free social relations, regulate social processes and meet social needs for Social Security and Human Development.
A methodological approach to the study of social policy institutions is developed, which is based on the analysis of the dynamics of indicators that characterize the activities of these institutions in such basic dimensions as "Ensuring employment of the population", "Ensuring citizens' incomes" and "Pension coverage". The proposed Integral index makes it possible to assess the activities of social policy institutions based on the main dimensions that are significant for making managerial decisions in the field of Social Policy and characterize its important aspects.
The results of the analysis of the dynamics of indicators of the activity of social policy institutions in the study period show that, unfortunately, only in 2016-2017 the dynamics of indices was positive, and the values were relatively high. The growth of household incomes that was observed in 2013-2017 was mostly nominal, but in 2017-2019, even this relatively positive trend changed. The employment index in the study period was one of the most stable indicators, but this indicates to a greater extent not the effectiveness of social institutions, but the establishment of a certain balance in the labour market. The level of pension coverage for the majority of the population remains shamefully low, which negatively characterizes not only the activities of social policy institutions, but also state social policy in general.
Periodization of the development of social policy institutions in Ukraine based on the analysis of the regulatory framework was carried out. The results of the analysis allowed us to conclude that our country has not formed a comprehensive, effective system of social policy institutions, yet.
The article examines the experience of the European Union countries in providing institutional support for various models of social policy.
It is established that social policy institutions are an important element of a socially oriented state, designed to maintain an appropriate standard of living for its citizens.
It is proved that effective convergence of the institutional foundations of social policy in the countries of the European Union and in Ukraine is an imperative prerequisite for bringing the parameters of social development of Ukraine closer to the parameters of more developed countries of the European Union.
Strategic directions for improving the social policy of Ukraine are identified, which take into account changes in the EU social agenda and its social dimension, taking into account the crisis of the social state model, using mechanisms for switching from traditional social policy to social Quality Policy. This will contribute to social harmony, social equalization, increase the level of Social Security and productivity of the national economy, decent work, improve the quality of life of the population, social justice and the formation of an institutional environment aimed at high efficiency of Social Development.
New approaches to organizational, managerial and institutional support of government control of social development are proposed through clear coordination, mutual coordination, balancing of competencies, powers, duties and responsibilities of executive authorities in the formation and implementation of social policy, which will create conditions for more effective and accelerated integration of Ukraine into the European Union.
