Addressing a key social policy problem, this book analyses modern voluntary organisations through the lens of a new theory of hybrid organisations, which is tested and developed in the context of a range of case studies. Essential reading for all interested in the future of the third sector. Welfare has always been provided by 'public', 'voluntary' and 'private' sector organizations. But do these terms have any meaning in a contemporary welfare landscape where organizations can possess significant characteristics of more than one sector? Is this hybridity now eroding the unique qualities of the different sectors? This book explores these questions, and more, through the lens of a new theory of hybrid organizations - tested and developed in the context of a range of case studies. In detail, it: - Develops the first theory of hybrid organizations to discuss the future of the third sector - Presents an original analysis of the consequences of hybridity - Provides readers with usable ideas to address practical issues of accountability and change Hybrid Organizations and the Third Sector offers an agenda-setting analysis for all those interested in the future of the third sector, the rise of hybridity in the public sector and the study of organizations. DAVID BILLIS is Reader Emeritus at the London School of Economics. In 1978 he founded PORTVAC, the first university-based programme working with voluntarily organizations. In 1987 he became Director of the LSE Centre for Voluntary Organisation which extended the work of PORTVAC. The Centre was later renamed the Centre for Civil Society. He co-founded the journal Nonprofit Management and Leadership. He is the only non-American to receive the Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award from ARNOVA the leading international third sector research association. Recent posts include Visiting Professor at Imperial College. He has extensive research and consultancy experience in the public, private and third sector and has published widely in these areas. His books include Organisational Design, Welfare Bureaucracies, and Organising Public and Voluntary Agencies. DAVID BILLIS is Reader Emeritus at the London School of Economics. In 1978 he founded PORTVAC, the first university-based programme working with voluntarily organizations. In 1987 he became Director of the LSE Centre for Voluntary Organisation which extended the work of PORTVAC. The Centre was later renamed the Centre for Civil Society. He co-founded the journal Nonprofit Management and Leadership. He is the only non-American to receive the Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award from ARNOVA the leading international third sector research association. Recent posts include Visiting Professor at Imperial College. He has extensive research and consultancy experience in the public, private and third sector and has published widely in these areas. His books include Organisational Design, Welfare Bureaucracies, and Organising Public and Voluntary Agencies.