Much of the work of Family Action, including casework, was done by volunteers until the 1960s, when social work became fully professionalised – a development in which the organisation played a key role. The early District Committees were staffed by volunteers. Doctors, lawyers and other professionals gave their time to assist on cases, while others helped with publicity or fundraising. The importance of volunteering is indicated by the suggestion (which was not taken up) of changing the charity’s name in 1919 to the Society for the Organisation of Voluntary Assistance and the Encouragement of Social Service. One of the most famous volunteers, and a co-founder of the COS, was Octavia Hill, the pioneer of social housing and one of many prominent women working for the organisation.
Read more about the volunteers in the early years of the Charity Organisation Society.
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