Glossary

The trust, connections, bonds or ties between people in a particular place, as well as the networks or organisations that bring people together. Where social capital is deemed to be low, people are perceived to be alienated and levels of prosperity and economic growth are also low. Voluntary organisations often aim to improve social capital in the areas where they work.

People in society feel integrated, included, and have a shared sense of belonging.

A business with social objectives and where surpluses are reinvested to achieve these objectives. Social enterprises aim to generate income from the service they provide. They are also usually eligible to apply for funding in the same way as voluntary organisations.

This relates to wider benefits to society beyond financial measures and now forms part of many government contracts, i.e. organisations have to demonstrate and calculate their impact on local communities or the environment not just their ‘value for money’.

This refers to services provided for those in need in order to improve quality of life and living conditions. Examples include day centres for elderly people; after school clubs for children with disabilities; general care services; help with drug abuse and so on. Within the UK, much of this help is organised by government through social services departments, although the organisations providing the actual help may be drawn from public, private or voluntary sectors.

The position of an individual or a group based on a range of factors, including occupation, income level, education and cultural background.

A person, a group or an organisation that has an interest in an organisation.