Changing Times

After World War I the COS was witness to, and deeply involved in, the ongoing professionalisation of social work. Social Science students were often offered holiday jobs in District offices.

As professional social workers took on more responsibility, volunteers on District Committees were still able to give valuable advice on cases or act on behalf of some families.

In the 1960s, following the Cunliffe report - a comprehensive review of the organisation which gave a strategy for simplifying the structure and improving communication - this new policy was generally accepted:

‘The lay area committees were to continue to be the link with the community; they served in an advisory capacity and could initiate discussions on questions of general interest. They were to be kept informed of developments in professional casework, but they were no longer to be personally involved… Although volunteers no longer took any part in casework as such, many were still welcomed as “pension almoners”.’

Read on for more about volunteering today.