Skip to content
Skip to main content

About this free course

Become an OU student

Download this course

Share this free course

Introducing the voluntary sector
Introducing the voluntary sector

Start this free course now. Just create an account and sign in. Enrol and complete the course for a free statement of participation or digital badge if available.

Glossary

Course glossary


Browse the glossary using this index

Special | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | ALL

C

Case studies

Studies of particular issues, places or events. Case studies are regularly used in research.


Change and continuity

Change highlights those aspects of society that differ over time; continuity refers to those aspects of society that stay the same over time.


Charities

Organisations set up to provide help and raise money for those in need (people, animals, environmental and other causes).

See also registered charity.


Charity Commission

An organisation that registers and regulates charities in England and Wales. The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland fulfils the same role in Northern Ireland and the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator does so in Scotland.


Civil society

A alternative term for the voluntary sector, although this definition goes beyond the organisations and includes people coming together by various means in order to develop civic values and skills in order to create a better society.


Community

A group of people living in the same place and/or having characteristics or interests in common.


Community cohesion

‘A state of harmony or tolerance between people from different backgrounds living within a community. It is linked to the concept of social capital and the idea that if we know our neighbours and contribute to community activity then we are more likely to look out for each other, increase cohesion and minimise the cost of dependency and institutional care.’ (The Institute of Community Cohesion)


Community sector

An alternative term for the voluntary sector.


Contract

A written agreement enforceable by law. In the context of the voluntary sector, it usually relates to a specification for service delivery between a voluntary organisation and local or central government.