Chapter 2: Map of the new country.

The article presents information on the voluntary sector. The voluntary sector, however it is described, has been part of Great Britain society and welfare provision over the centuries, adapting to the changing political environment. But recent developments have brought the sector into the limelight, as policies seek to reduce the role of the state, especially in the delivery, but also in the financing of welfare. The characteristics of the organisations in the study varied considerably across this map. Only one in five self-help organisations had paid staff. These organisations were the least likely to have a formal constitution, and had the smallest management committees. They were also most likely to have been formed after 1980; had smaller budgets; and were less likely than others in the sample to get money from government, generating their money from donations, fundraising and subscriptions. The income and staffing profile of the smallest donor organisations was similar, although they were more likely to have a formal constitution. The larger donor organisations had the widest range of activities and the widest variety of funders.