This document summarizes predictions for the third sector in the UK in 2015. It predicts that the Big Society agenda will not be fully realized due to waning government commitment. Limited success is expected for new models of public service delivery, philanthropy, and investment. Devolved administrations will resist increased marketization, and public funding dependency in the sector will remain high due to slowed income growth and increased bifurcation from marketization of public services under public expenditure cuts. The third sector is predicted to remain diverse and strong despite facing challenges similar to previous governments.

1. Future Trends – what will the sector look like in 2015? Pete Alcock University of Birmingham