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Voluntary & Charity
Voluntary
Definitions of the voluntary sector are often rather ambiguous. Terms such as the 'charity sector', the 'not-for-profit sector' and the 'third sector' are often used interchangeably. At its broadest, the sector includes organisations registered with the Charity Commission, as well as a vast array of others, including housing associations, universities and colleges, schools, places of worship, NHS trusts, trade unions, sports and recreation clubs, and small voluntary groups.
There are few graduate trainee schemes in the voluntary sector. Most entrants either gain experience through volunteering, via another sector or by working their way up from entry-level positions.
Volunteering continues to be extremely important to the sector.
A volunteer work organiser co-ordinates all elements of volunteering either within their own organisation or on behalf of the organisation for which they are recruiting volunteers. Their role involves assessing the organisation's volunteering needs and then meeting those needs through the recruitment, placement and retention of volunteers.
Volunteer work organisers, also known as volunteer coordinators, manage volunteers and their relationship with paid staff within an organisation. They also monitor, evaluate and accredit volunteers. Volunteer work organisers work in most sectors, including the education, commercial and public sectors and creative industries, but predominantly in the voluntary sector.
Work activities can include:
- Researching and writing volunteer policies and procedures.
- Liaising with departments within their own organisation or with organisations for which they are recruiting volunteers (e.g. charities and councils) to understand how they work, develop partnerships and assess their volunteering needs.
- Ensuring there is appropriate support and training for volunteers.
- Promoting volunteering (internally and externally) through publicity campaigns.
- Organisations/voluntary work providers through face-to-face, telephone and email contact.
- Keeping up to date with legislation related to volunteering and making any necessary modifications to accommodate changes.
Doing substantial voluntary work in the field that you wish to work in ensures that you will develop the right skills and a better understanding of the ways in which the charity operates. An understanding of, and experience in, the sector will make you far more attractive to employers than qualifications alone.
Becoming an active member of the charity will also help develop sector knowledge and create opportunities for networking. Starting early, for example during undergraduate studies, is a real advantage. These can be one-off projects or more long-term opportunities that involve a weekly commitment.
Volunteering could involve anything from playing board games with the elderly to writing press releases about fundraising events. You could get involved with kids sports, help a local charity set up a computer network or database, transform a community garden or help run a charity event. There are opportunities to gain experience what ever your interested in which can really make your CV stand out from the crowd.
You can find out about opportunities in your area by visiting your local voluntary action services, links to which can be found below. Your University Students Union may also be involved with projects in your community and are always worth a visit.
Useful links:
Volunteering opportunities for 16-25s.
Find details of all registered charities by searching the online register.
Institute of Fundraising
The Institute of Fundraising promotes the highest standards of fundraising practice. They are a member-based, national organisation with groups active in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the English regions. The Institute of Fundraising seeks to support its members through training, networking and the dissemination of best practice.
Professional Fundraising Magazine
This is the UK's leading monthly journal for fundraisers working in the charity, not-for-profit and voluntary sector.
Working for a Charity
Working For A Charity exists to promote the voluntary sector as a positive career option for those seeking paid employment and to promote the opportunities and benefits of becoming a volunteer to people who wish to do unpaid work. This site has sections on training courses, as well as useful information about working in the voluntary sector. An article entitled 'First Steps to Finding Out' provides advice on finding voluntary work and paid job opportunities.
The website has a section which is dedicated to providing jobseekers with information on jobs typically dealt with by Charity People. There are downloadable documents available on fundraising, CV advice, marketing etc.
Bradford Community and Voluntary Services
Bradford Community & Voluntary Service (formerly Bradford Council for Voluntary Service) is an umbrella body for voluntary organisations in Bradford. Their role is to develop, support, promote and represent the interests of the voluntary and community sector.
CVA provides advice, information and support to voluntary organisations in Craven, near Skipton, North Yorkshire.
Doncaster Council for Voluntary Services
Doncaster CVS is an independent charity which works to promote, coordinate and support voluntary and community action which leads to social change.
Hull Council for Voluntary Service
Hull CVS offers support and guidance to local charities,voluntary organisations and community groups of any size.
North Bank Forum for Voluntary Agencies
The North Bank Forum in Hull provides a regular meeting point for voluntary organisations to discuss and take action on issues relating to partnership working, community care, general health and social welfare.
North Yorkshire CVS
North Yorkshire Forum for Voluntary Organisations is a registered charity formed and run by voluntary and community organisations in York and North Yorkshire to promote, develop and support new and existing forms of voluntary and community action; and to ensure that their views and interests are well represented. The website provides a list of local voluntary sector development agencies in York and North Yorkshire.
Ripon Council for Voluntary Services
Ripon CVS carries out a variety of roles including promoting the interests of voluntary groups with public sector organisations and offering advice and information to members of the public on an informal basis.
Richmondshire CVS
Richmondshire CVS is a registered charity whose aims include developing and supporting local voluntary and community initiatives and providing them with information and funding advice.
Voluntary Action Barnsley (VAB)
VAB plays a vital role in relation to community and voluntary organisations and offers appropriate support and services at a borough-wide level, technical advice and training.
Voluntary Action Calderdale (VA-C)
VA-C is the CVS (Council for Voluntary Service) development agency providing infrastructure support to Voluntary & Community groups in the borough of Calderdale (West Yorkshire). It has been set up to support the development of both new and existing community & voluntary sector groups and to represent their interests locally and regionally.
Voluntary Action Sheffield (VAS)
VAS is an independent voluntary organisation supporting the development of the voluntary and community sector (VCS) locally.
VA-L is the Council for Voluntary Service in Leeds. VA-L provides innovative and direct support, services and specialist advice to hundreds of voluntary and community groups, enabling them to carry out their work across Leeds.
York Council for Voluntary Service
York CVS' main aim is to offer advice, training, information and support to local voluntary organisations and community groups.
West Yorkshire Charities Information Bureau
The Charities Information Bureau (CIB) has been providing information, advice and training to not-for-profit organisations throughout West Yorkshire since 1981.
South Yorkshire Funding Advice Bureau
SYFAB is a voluntary organisation and registered charity set up to help voluntary and community organisations get the resources they need.
Charitynet.org
This online resource brings together the websites of non-profit organisations and their service providers across the world.
