collective noun
A collective noun can be used with either a singular verb ( my family was always hard-working) or a plural verb ( his family were disappointed in him). Generally speaking, in Britain it is more usual for collective nouns to be followed by a plural verb, while in the US the opposite is true. Notice that, if the verb is singular, any following pronouns must be too: the government is prepared to act, but not until it knows the outcome of the latest talks (not ... until they know the outcome ...).