ABSTRACT
The evidence base for this analysis comes from two sources. First, a review of relevant literature and written sources, including a wide range of low visibility ‘grey’ literature generated from the voluntary sector itself from the 1970s onwards rarely accounted for in policy analysis. Second, more particularly a review of recent policy statements, as represented in official publications, thinktank literature, and scrutiny of unpublished speeches by relevant politicians. Third, a small number of 1-1.5 hour long interviews with those involved in the development of the field in general, and the Compact in particular, during late 1998 and early 1999, from the voluntary sector itself and its direct stakeholders, including government. The interviews had in common that they addressed the broad themes of this paper, but specific questions were tailored to reflect the particular role and positioning of the interviewee in the development of policies in this field.
