Also referred to as 'voluntary and community social enterprise sector' (VCSE). It refers to organisations that are independent of the government and local councils. Their role is to benefit the people they serve, not to make a profit. Social care services are often provided by VCSEs, by arrangement with the council or with the individual. Some are user-led organisations, which means they are run by and for the people the organisation is designed to benefit - for example, disabled people.

Organisations that are independent of the Government and local councils. Their job is to benefit the people they serve, not to make a profit. The people who work for voluntary organisations are not necessarily volunteers - many will be paid for the work they do. Social care services are often provided by local voluntary organisations, by arrangement with the council or with you as an individual. Some are user-led organisations, which means they are run by and for the people the organisation is designed to benefit - e.g. disabled people.