The state and voluntary sector in austere times: 10 years of National Citizen Service

In this article we examine the latest chapter in the relationship between the state and the voluntary sector in the UK. We present an analysis of the UK Government’s ‘National Citizen Service’ (NCS) scheme and map the landscape of youth services over the past decade. Drawing on interview data with delivery providers of the programme, and key government and policy actors, we explore the new geographies NCS has created and reflect on the wider implications of this programme in austerity Britain.