Description
Book SynopsisVoluntary and community organisations have moved to the centre of political debates, as the new UK government reduces the scope of the state and locates solutions in civil society. This new book explores the extensive growth and reshaping of the voluntary sector following sweeping changes to social and welfare policy over 30 years. It draws on contemporary social and organisational theory and debates to consider whether surviving in the voluntary sector now depends on realigning activities and compromising independent goals and values.
Trade Review"An interesting overview of changes faced by voluntary sector employees in the nature of their work." Work, Employment and Society
"This book brings together the most important challenges facing the voluntary sector today in a highly readable style. It is grounded in research, theoretically informed, and illustrates each theme with quotes from practitioners. It is a treasure trove of ideas that will become an indispensable source for policy makers, practitioners and researchers." Dr Mike Aiken, Co-operatives Research Unit, Open University
Table of ContentsThe voluntary sector: contested or strategic ground?; The changing face of welfare and roles of voluntary organisations; Researching the voluntary sector ; Dilemmas of market ideology: the impact of growing competition in two urban areas; Performance and shifting accountabilities: from trust-based to regulated inter-organisational relationships; Collaboration in community-based projects: solutions or new organisational challenges?; Community heroes, survivors or casualties? Exploring risk and resilience in the voluntary sector; Advocacy and democratic participation in a changing environment: room for challenge?; Values and visions for a future voluntary sector?.
