This book investigates the scope, scale, structure, and societal impact of the United Kingdom's voluntary sector through a comparative analytical lens. Jeremy Kendall, a recognized scholar in the field of third-sector studies, utilizes a blend of quantitative statistical mapping and qualitative interview data to assess the sector's role in modern governance. The work establishes a theoretical framework to evaluate how voluntary organizations function within the broader socio-economic landscape of the UK.

Experts identify this work as a foundational text for understanding the structural complexities of the UK's third sector. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which serves as a rigorous resource for students and policy professionals alike.