100 Years of NCVO and Voluntary Action : Idealists and Realists

This book explores the rich history of voluntary action in the United Kingdom over the past 100 years, through the lens of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), which celebrates its centenary in 2019. From its establishment at the end of the First World War, through the creation of the Welfare State in the middle of the twentieth century, to New Labour and the __Big Society__ at the beginning of this century, NCVO has been at the forefront of major developments within society and the voluntary movement. The book examines its many successes, including its role in establishing high-profile charities such as Age Concern, the Youth Hostels Association, and National Association of Citizens’ Advice Bureaux. It charts the development of closer relations with the state, resulting in growing awareness of the value of voluntary action, increased funding, and beneficial changes to public policy, tax and charity law. But it also explores the criticisms NCVO has faced, in particular that by pursuing a partnership agenda and championing professionalisation, it has contributed to an erosion of the movement’s independence and distinctiveness. Front Matter ....Pages i-xxii Introduction (Justin Davis Smith)....Pages 1-7 Setting Up (Justin Davis Smith)....Pages 9-28 Early Years (Justin Davis Smith)....Pages 29-56 Out of Adversity (Justin Davis Smith)....Pages 57-74 Warfare and Welfare (Justin Davis Smith)....Pages 75-100 Marking Time (Justin Davis Smith)....Pages 101-127 Losing Ground (Justin Davis Smith)....Pages 129-165 Recovery and Challenge (Justin Davis Smith)....Pages 167-206 A Golden Age? (Justin Davis Smith)....Pages 207-236 Big Society and Beyond (Justin Davis Smith)....Pages 237-264 Conclusion: Idealists and Realists (Justin Davis Smith)....Pages 265-283 Back Matter ....Pages 285-305