In the 1990s the voluntary and charity sector is being forced to become an increasingly important provider of health and social welfare in britain. how can it respond to this pressure, who is running it and how should it be managed? as well as offering a full overview of the voluntary sector the editors and contributors: examine its history and importance within welfare provision explore its current position and responsibilities offer practical guidance for and analysis of the issues facing the voluntary sector today including its legal framework in the uk and eu, fundraising management and accountability. an introduction to the voluntary sector will be invaluable reading to all students and lecturers of social policy and organisational studies as well as to professional policy-makers and voluntary sector personnel.