Role of Voluntary Sector in Public Welfare

Role of Voluntary Sector in the Provision of Public Welfare Services

Introduction

The community sector or voluntary sector (also known as not for profit sector or nonprofit sector) is the sphere in the social activity that organizations undertake for public welfare without any motive for profit. Voluntary sector is also called the third sector, in reference to the private sector and public sector. Voluntary sector is also called civic sector for emphasizing its relationship with the civil society. The existence of large, not for profit organizations is seen as a strong sign of healthy and robust economy in national and local financial measurements. Not for profit organizations are growing in number every year all over the world including United Kingdom with a sharp focus on education, environment, social services as well as other unmet needs that are evident throughout society. Since these unmet needs are also growing in number and magnitude as the world's population is growing, the presence of voluntary sector is increasingly becoming central to the well being and health of the society. Voluntary sector is now seen as an integral part for the smooth functioning of humanity as a healthy and prosperous society. Moreover, due to its growth, the voluntary sector is increasingly becoming a big employer by providing an excellent and tremendous outlet for various skills and labor of the society.

Prediction of Daniel Bell in 1976 is becoming true in numerous European countries that third sector (the voluntary sector) would become the major sector in societies, as the effects of private sector will be overcame by the knowledge class. As per the recent research study by JHU (John Hopkins University), the voluntary sector of Netherlands is the largest third sector among 21 countries across Europe. The voluntary sector in Ireland accounts for 8.9% of country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The voluntary sector of Sweden is attributed with promoting a social change towards cultural, social and economic policies in a country. In Italy, the voluntary sector is a recognized primary employer for the whole country. The voluntary or social sector of United States contributes to approx. 11% of country's Gross Domestic Product. In 2010, more than 765,000 people were employed by voluntary sector in United Kingdom. This number was an increase of 42% since 2001 which indicates the pace at which voluntary sector is growing in UK. Voluntary sector employs around 2.8% of the UK workforce. In the year 2010, UK's voluntary sector employed around 618,000 LFS (Full time equivalent paid staff). In this essay, we have critically assessed the role of voluntary sector in the provision of public welfare (Dacombe & Donahue, 2011, Pp.1).

Discussion

In voluntary sector, different organizations that are commonly known as NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations), works and aims to achieve different objectives, mainly in the areas of poverty alleviation, health and education. However, due to their limited resources they need to collaborate with other parties with more resources as well as with government for achieving a desired result and improvement in ...