Understanding the distinctiveness of small scale, third sector activity: the role of local knowledge and networks in shaping below the radar actions

Phillimore, Jenny and McCabe, Angus and Soteri-Proctor, Andri and Taylor, Rebecca (2010) Understanding the distinctiveness of small scale, third sector activity: the role of local knowledge and networks in shaping below the radar actions. Working Paper. University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.

Preview

PDF
WP33_Understanding_the_distinctiveness_of_small_scale_TS_activity_%2D_Phillimore,_McCabe_May_10.pdf
357Kb

URL of Published Version: http://www.tsrc.ac.uk/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=iBB6cFBtNYU%3d&tabid=500

Abstract

‘Below the radar’ has become a short-hand term for small community groups who are either not registered with the Charity Commission or other regulatory bodies and or are registered but lack a regular, substantial annual income. Much of the existing research into the Third Sector has focused on formal, larger, organisations leaving gaps in the knowledge base around the nature and function of small groups and more informal activities which happen at a community level.

The following working paper is based on interviews with representatives from national community sector organisations, development agencies, members of policy fora and academics with a background in community based research. It explores the scale, scope and functions of ‘below the radar’ activity in the Third Sector, why people become active within their community and the factors which both help and hinder community based action. Finally the paper explores the strengths and weaknesses of ‘below the radar’ action, issues of accountability and asks the question – are their features that make more informal community organisation and activity distinctive.

Type of Work:

Monograph (Working Paper)

School/Faculty:

Colleges (2008 onwards) > College of Social Sciences

Number of Pages:

Department:

Third Sector Research Centre (TSRC)

References:

Abram, S. Murdoch, J. Marsden, T. (1996) The Social Construction of 'Middle England': the Politics of Participation in Forward Planning, Journal of Rural Studies, Vol.12, No.4, 353-364

Dominelli, L. (2006) Women and Community Action. Policy Press, Bristol

Furbey, R. et al, Faith as Social Capital: Connecting or Dividing? Bristol: Policy Press and Joseph Rowntree Foundation, 2006.

Kendall, J. (2003) The Voluntary Sector: Comparative Perspectives in the UK. Rourledge, London

McCabe, A. and Phillimore, J. with Mayblin, L. (2010) Understanding Third Sector ‘Below the Radar’ Activities: a Review of the Literature. Birmingham: TSRC.

McLeod, M. Owen, D. Khamis, C. (2001) Black and Minority Ethnic Voluntary and Community Organisations: Their Role and Future Development in England and Wales, Policy Studies
Institute, London.

National Council of Voluntary Organisations (2009) The UK Civil Society Almanac. NCVO, London

Phillimore, J., McCabe, A. and Soteri-Proctor, A. (2009) Under the radar? Researching unregistered and informal third sector activity. Conference paper for NCVO/VSSN Conference Warwick September 2009.

Thompson, J. (2008) Under the radar: A survey of small voluntary and community sector organisations working with children, young people and families. NCVCCO, London

Date:

May 2010

Series/Collection Name:

TSRC Working Paper Series

Keywords:

Below the radar, community, community sector, community groups and activities, sustainability and accountability.

Subjects:

H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare

Related URLs:

URL	URL Type
http://www.tsrc.ac.uk	Organisation

Funders:

Economic and Social Science Research Council, Office for Civil Society, Barrow Cadbury Trust

ID Code:

792

Export Reference As :	ASCII + BibTeX + Dublin Core + EndNote + HTML + METS + MODS + OpenURL Object + Reference Manager + Refer + RefWorks
Share this item :

Repository Staff Only: item control page