Markus Ketola is Senior Lecturer in Global and International Social Policy at the University of Edinburgh.Ciaran Hughes is a Belfast-based researcher. His research focuses on Northern Irish politics, community relations, social policy and civil society.

"Book offers a very useful, accessible and current resource for students and researchers of the VCS in Northern Ireland." Voluntas

• 1. Introduction2. Neoliberal enrolment? The community and ‘partnership turn’ in government rhetoric and policy3. Getting connected: celebrating the value of connections and networks4. Inside the networks: the rhetoric and reality5. Independence of voice, purpose and action6. Conclusion

Markus Ketola is Senior Lecturer in Global and International Social Policy at the University of Edinburgh.Ciaran Hughes is a Belfast-based researcher. His research focuses on Northern Irish politics, community relations, social policy and civil society.

"Book offers a very useful, accessible and current resource for students and researchers of the VCS in Northern Ireland." Voluntas

• 1. Introduction2. Neoliberal enrolment? The community and ‘partnership turn’ in government rhetoric and policy3. Getting connected: celebrating the value of connections and networks4. Inside the networks: the rhetoric and reality5. Independence of voice, purpose and action6. Conclusion

Markus Ketola is Senior Lecturer in Global and International Social Policy at the University of Edinburgh.Ciaran Hughes is a Belfast-based researcher. His research focuses on Northern Irish politics, community relations, social policy and civil society.

"Book offers a very useful, accessible and current resource for students and researchers of the VCS in Northern Ireland." Voluntas

• 1. Introduction2. Neoliberal enrolment? The community and ‘partnership turn’ in government rhetoric and policy3. Getting connected: celebrating the value of connections and networks4. Inside the networks: the rhetoric and reality5. Independence of voice, purpose and action6. Conclusion