Opportunities for paid or voluntary work

There are about 172,000 general charities within the UK employing 634,000 paid workers (235,000 part-time) and a further 13.2 million unpaid volunteers (volunteering at least once per month). In addition there are an estimated 750,000 trustees who take responsibility (unpaid) for the governance of individual charities.

The scope is therefore enormous and the sector is a significant employer within the UK economy. With new organisations and initiatives a constant feature of the sector, the need for new people, talent and skills is set to continue.

Jobs in the voluntary sector - which ones are right for you?

Firstly think about your local area. Can you name five charities that are represented in your locality? List those that come to mind here:

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Secondly, consider what experience you already have in the sector or in other similar activity. For example, are you or have you been a trustee or a volunteer? Maybe you have been active in your local school's PTA or Neighbourhood Watch Scheme. List your experience to date here:

How well did you do? Whatever the answer you need to consider what motivates you to work in the voluntary sector. List the three top reasons for wanting to work in the sector here:

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(to print a copy of what you've typed in above, select file -> print from the top menu - and NOT the printer icon at the top right of this page).

Once you begin to explore the world of charities and to look out for the type of job or volunteering role that will suit you, you will be encouraged and perhaps a little overwhelmed by the range of job descriptions and job titles which are out there.

Small charities - few or no paid staff and the work is undertaken on a voluntary basis. Those small organisations which can afford to pay need someone, often part time, who can turn their hand to anything.

Growing organisations - the jobs grow too and because of the unique nature of each charity the parts of the organisation which grow first will depend on where the organisational priorities lie. Often the first jobs to be added are fundraisers, project managers, and finance or admin posts.

Large charities - Highly complex organisations with very specific and specialist job functions comparable with those found in the commercial and public sectors.

Where do my skills fit in?

What skills do you need to work in the sector?

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