In recent years there has began an upsurge of interest in the accountability and legitimacy of voluntary and community organisations (VCOs), both in England and abroad, in part this may be linked to the relatively higher profile of the voluntary and community sector (VCS) arising from the prominence of VCO – led campaing and the increasing role of VCOs in providing public services. But it is also the case that debates about the sector’s accountability are taking place against a backdrop of declining public trust and confidence in all social institutions, public, private and voluntary. And it is this that is of greatest concern to VCOs: people’s willingness to participate in voluntary action and support VCOs is based on the belief that VCOs can be trusted to make a difference. A more cynical and less trusting public is therefore likely to demand more evidence of this before agreeing to support a cause. VCOs will need to be clearer about what they do, how they do it and how they do it, if they are to continue to mobilese public support and consent.