An Introduction to the Voluntary Sector

Over the last few years the complete restructuring of health and welfare provision has meant that there has been a re-evaluation of all sectors of this market. For the voluntary sector, it has meant increased responsibility and accountability and a re-examination of the management of these organizations - charity and fundraising has become `big business'. But how can the voluntary sector respond to this pressure, who is running it and how should it be managed? In "An Introduction to the Voluntary Sector", the editors and contributors examine key features including its history, present position and its future. They analyze the challenges it faces and provide practical guidance and analysis of the current issues including its legal framework in the UK and EC, fundraising activites, management and accountability. This work should serve as reading for students and lecturers of social policy and organizational studies, as well as to professional policy-makers and voluntary sector personnel.