Definition: Voluntary is independent from the state. Services available to
anyone who meets eligibility criteria, they are usually free or low cost to
service users. They rely in funding from donations from community. These
are provided by non profit organisation i.e. Help the Aged
Examples: Voluntary agencies, Day Centres, Meals on Wheels,
Alzheimers Disease, MacMillan Nursing, Housing
Shelters, Age concern
PROS
Contribution has been substantial, they provide a range of services and
specialises, where there are gaps in NHS provision, in response to the
aging population, which has placed substantial burden on resources in
the state.
In response to the growth of poor in society, has lead to the necessity of the voluntary
sector, to provide services that are free of charge or low cost, so that social, financial and
emotional needs can be met.
Voluntary sector is more flexible and can respond to the needs in the public quicker, than
state which can be slow and inflexible, this therefore means that the public/service users
needs can be met quicker i.e. Aids disease
CONS
Temporary grants/donations may mean that services are unable to
run long term due to lack of funding, leading to services being
unreliable and inconsistent in meeting service user needs
However, organisations that arise from recognised
inadequacies in provision allow the gaps and areas of neglect
by NHS to continue
In relation to staff, there are few checks on staff, and
volunteers can be untrained and could lead to a low standard
of service or abuse of service users
In conclusion, the voluntary sector has made substantial contribution to services in the UK,
they act as society conscience, encouraging social cohesion, and save the state funds.