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.

An alternative term for the voluntary sector.

Organisations being open about what they do, what they spend money on, what they pay their staff, general recruitment and working practices, and so on. Being transparent helps to build trust in an organisation.

People who give their time for free to lead or steer voluntary organisations. Trustees usually specialise in different areas such as finance, fundraising, management, marketing and so on. They set the strategy and overall direction for the organisation and work in conjunction with paid staff and operational volunteers.

Encompasses all elements of supporting and funding voluntary organisations.

A term sometimes used to refer to the voluntary sector, although it focuses less on the idea of a coherent sector and more on the people, organisations and activities carried out.