DAVID BILLIS is Reader Emeritus at the London School of Economics, UK.

• IntroductionWhat is a Voluntary Organisation?; T. MarshallWhat are the Key Influences on the Work of Voluntary Agencies?; M. TaylorHow are Values Handled in Voluntary Agencies?; R. PatonAre Voluntary Agencies Accountable?; D. LeatHow do Voluntary Agencies Manage Organisational Change?; D. WilsonWhat Kind of Leadership do Voluntary Organisations Need?; R. KayDo We Need Governing Bodies?; M. HarrisWhat does Contracting do to Voluntary Agencies?; J. LewisWhat does Contracting do to Users?; N. DeakinAre Voluntary Agencies Really More Effective?; M. KnappCan Volunteers be Managed?; J. Davis SmithWhat Kind of Training does the Voluntary Sector Need?; S.P. OsborneWho Cares Whether your Organisation Survives?; D. BillisConclusion.

'Most of the leading research commentators on the voluntary sector in the UK have provided useful and timely chapters which cover subjects as diverse as volunteering, definitional problems, accountability, contracting, governance, leadership and training. Each of these subjects is tackled systematically and each of the chapters provides an insight into modern thinking.' - Community Care 'Overall, the book is an excellent resource for anyone - students, researchers or practitioners - wanting a clear and comprehensive account of the current state of research on the practical problems facing the voluntary sector.' - Professor Peter Halfpenny, University of Manchester