THE CAREERS SERVICE

CHARITIES

Are you passionate about a cause? Working in the voluntary and charity sector can be immensely rewarding. Its not a soft option or an escape from commercialism. Its a vibrant, fastmoving sector, aiming at raising funds to create positive outcomes for beneficiaries. There are 162,565 registered charities in England and Wales alone (and another 23,000 in Scotland and 4,836 in Northern Ireland). Between them they employ over 1 million people. This briefing focuses on the national charity sector (also known as the third sector, the not-for-profit (NFP) sector and the voluntary sector). Sectors covered in separate briefings include: Entrepreneurship and Social Enterprise International Development International Organisations Environmental Work Social work Education Arts Management
Credit: id-iom

The charity sector is broad, but can be defined as being tax-exempt bodies that benefit the public in a way the law agrees is charitable (see www.charity-commission.gov.uk and the new Charities Act 2011). The number of registered charities has almost quadrupled over the last 30 years, before beginning to decrease in the last three years, largely due to the impact of the recession on funding sources. STATISTICS 60% of charities with a fall in income 58% have restructured 51% have cut staff numbers 41% have cut their training budget 30% are in a recruitment freeze 18% say keeping quality staff is a challenge 11% say attracting quality staff is a challenge 9% have cut staff pay

Because of this, many charities are currently undergoing a period of change and restructuring to make their organisations more financially stable. This has coincided with a wave of innovation around the structure of organisations that aim for charitable outcomes. More charities are developing trading arms and more organisations are moving to become commercial ventures with charitable aims, such as social enterprises and community interest companies.

The current UK Coalition government placed civil Sector (nfpSynergy) 2012 society and community outcomes at the forefront of policy with the Big Society agenda, which relied heavily on the voluntary sector. The Compact is the agreement between government and the sector, which governs important freedoms for charities and mutual paths for communication.

Source: Charity Pulse Survey 2012, State of the

WHAT TYPES OF JOBS ARE THERE?

There are a wide variety of roles in this sector, both for new graduates as well as qualified professionals (e.g. social worker, counsellors, lawyers and accountants). Larger charities have highly complex structures with very specific and specialist job functions comparable with those found in the commercial and public sectors. However, less than a quarter of organisations employ paid staff, and of those, only half are full-time. Many small charities have no paid staff, and trustees undertake work on a voluntary basis.
Oxford University Careers Service, September 2012, www.careers.ox.ac.uk

Some of the most frequently advertised roles in this sector fall into the following groups: Management and Administration Personnel and Human Resources Marketing, Communications and Campaigning Volunteer Management Policy and Research Fundraising/Development Officers Grants Officers/Advisers Sector Infrastructure: this encompasses all of those bodies supporting the sector, e.g. the Civil Service, Charity Commission and regional councils for voluntary organisations Suppliers Services

SALARIES The average paid employee now earns around 25,000, although starting salaries can be much lower. A typical graduate entrant into an administrative role might look to earn 15,000 - 23,000. Motivation, persistence, and focus are key if you wish to progress in this sector, and remunerations can improve significantly as people progress through some organisations: charity CEOs generally earn only around 20% lower than their counterparts in other sectors (charitiesdirect.com, 2010).

WHAT SKILLS DO I NEED?

Although enthusiasm is essential, there is a real need for practical, well-organised and efficient business-minded people. Some organisations are very keen to recruit individuals moving from private sector backgrounds, as they welcome the commercial awareness that they bring. Many individuals with management skills can enter the sector directly, as can regional or technical specialists. However, in general the fundamental skills needed for most roles include: STATISTICS 43% of charities need more fundraising skills 35% need more web/digital skills 31% need more strategic planning skills 27% need more IT skills 26% need more legal expertise 23% need more leadership skills 19% need more human resources skills 15% need more management skills

Source: State of the Sector (nfpSynergy) 2012

A real commitment and dedication to charitable causes. The ability to work with others from all walks of life. Cultural awareness and sensitivity. Excellent organisational skills. A willingness to do the more routine jobs as well as the exciting ones and to invest in your own training. Flexibility and an ability to deal with the varying demands of the job. Administrative skills A basic (website-level) understanding of the charity and its partner organisations In some cases, where posts may be international, a second language may be advantageous

Remember, the small organisations that can afford to pay a member of staff will need someone who can turn their hand to anything, and who has both the confidence and the flexibility to be a spokesperson, a decision maker, a planner and an administrator.

Oxford University Careers Service, September 2012, www.careers.ox.ac.uk

WHAT ARE THE ENTRY POINTS?

DIRECT / LATERAL ENTRY The majority of employees in the charity sector have either worked their way up from work experience or internships (unfortunately, often unpaid) or moved into the sector with skills gained elsewhere. The diagram below attempts to map out common entry pathways, using the example of roles in Marketing. Although this diagram applies for many roles, for those which require qualifications or extensive training (e.g. accountancy) the lateral route in is by far the most common, as charities can rarely justify the costs involved in training through to qualification. However, some can offer flexibility towards self-funded study.

Common vertical and lateral entry paths for administrative and management roles (Example given: Marketing)
Marketing qualification /non-sector experience Proven interest Marketing Assistant
Related student activities and work experience

Partially related role within sector

Marketing Officer/ Manager

Partially related role within sector

GRADUATE SCHEMES Paid graduate schemes are very much a rarity in the charity sector, as they take a lot of time and money to run two things which most charities find in short supply. The few that exist (generally serving larger organisations and housing charities) are competitive, but dont forget that lots of direct entry opportunities exist outside of these. Charity graduate schemes advertised last year (start dates for Summer/early Autumn unless specified: Organisation British Council Cancer Research Location Various London Application Looking for window in 11/12 April Jun Leadership Oct/Nov - Jan Corporate, Fundraising and Marketing, Salary range in 11/12 25,000 24,000 3

Oxford University Careers Service, September 2012, www.careers.ox.ac.uk

CharityWorks City Year

London London

Feb-April Year round, Nov for Jan start, July for August start May June Periodically Various short windows, various start dates October - July

Communication, Scientific Services Management Community support based in schools Development Graduate Apprentice programme project work, management Media, Events, Policy, Education, Data, Fundraising Graduate teaching (qualification not required) Management and general rotational Service management, Analytics Recruitment and training, Sales and marketing, Events Management Development, Housing, Finance

Great Places Housing Group GroundWork West Midlands IntoUniversity Kings Science Academy Trust Look Ahead Housing and Care Marie Curie Cancer Care OxFizz Richmond Housing Partnership Sanctuary Group

West Didsbury West Midlands London West Yorkshire London London, Solihull, Bradford Oxford London Mainly Worcester

15,000 100/week + expenses plus 1000 award 18,000 Voluntary 18,500 Negotiable

Jan - March From March Jun July October Spring

24,000 18,000 23,000 23,000

FURTHER STUDY There are an increasing number of postgraduate courses (and similar) available which are designed for charity sector career paths. Specific short courses are available too (e.g. those at http://www.institute-of-fundraising.org.uk/events-and-training/training/about-iof-academy/). However neither are a requirement for entry for administration and management roles. Its advised that you begin work in the sector before undertaking further study, as you are likely to be able to better choose a course that will enhance the pursuit of your emerging interests in your role. SPECIALIST ROLES Many charities will also look to recruit specialists for highly skilled roles. Depending on the charity these could be academic researchers, scientific or technically-trained personnel, accountants, lawyers, qualified teachers, psychogists and many more. The vast majority of these roles will be filled by someone who trained and developed outside of the charity sector.

Oxford University Careers Service, September 2012, www.careers.ox.ac.uk

HOW DO I GET EXPERIENCE?

Applicants will be expected to have work experience, and this will often take the form of some volunteering experience or an internship. VOLUNTEERING Voluntary work during term-time, in vacations or in a year out provides invaluable experience. Oxford Hub is the focal point for students interested in charitable and development-related activity at Oxford and advertises volunteering opportunities. http://oxfordhub.org/ The Old Music Hall on Cowley Road is home to many locally based charities check out whos there and find out more about their volunteering opportunities: http://www.ethicalproperty.co.uk/site/en/_Old_Music_Hall.php Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action is the main umbrella organisation for the voluntary and community sector in Oxfordshire. The Volunteer Centre (Oxford) is accredited by Volunteering England as a volunteer bureau. http://www.oxnet.org.uk/ Community Service Volunteers (CSV) offers a range of voluntary opportunities. http://www.csv.org.uk/?display=volunteering Do-it is a searchable database of volunteering opportunities www.do-it.org.uk Vinspired connects 14-25 year olds with volunteering opportunities http://vinspired.com/ TimeBank is a national charity inspiring and connecting people to volunteer in their communities and enabling charitable organisations and businesses to develop innovative and effective volunteer recruitment programmes. On their website you can ask a question about volunteering, read inspiring stories or register to do voluntary work. http://timebank.org.uk/

GRADUATE INTERNSHIPS Many charities offer internships, although the majority are on an expenses-only basis. As youre a volunteer for the charity, National Minimum Wage does not apply. A small selection of the many charity graduate internships advertised last year: Organisation Location Application Looking for window in 11/12 Amnesty London, New Year round 3 6 months International York, Geneva advertised roles only Barnados Nationwide 3 periods a year 12 week programmes for Autumn, in any of events, Spring, Summer marketing, finance, programmes policy, research, campaigns, communications, childrens services, retail The British Red Cross Nationwide Year Round Office internships of 8-12 weeks, part time Cancer Research UK London and November for 12 week internships, regional Spring, April for all roles, office-based offices Summer, July for Autumn Charities Advisory London August-Sept Seasonal support for
Oxford University Careers Service, September 2012, www.careers.ox.ac.uk

Salary range in 11/12 Travel and lunch Expenses only

5/day for travel and lunch Travel and lunch expenses 15,000 pro 5

Trust Christian Aid Nationwide Deadine April

Oxfam

Oxford and nationwide

Student Hubs Ethical Nationwide Internship Scheme Many more exist!

Year-round, approx 1 month before start date November January

Good Gifts and rata CardAid, OctChristmas August to following Accommodation, June. expenses, food, toiletries covered From 2 -12 months, Lunch and travel 2/4 days per week From 4 weeks to 3 months, summer only. 2-5 days per week. Expenses at minimum.

Find them on: CareerConnect Individual charity websites Sector vacancy sites such as Third Sector Jobs, Charity Jobs Volunteering websites, such as Do It Big national job sites such as Guardian Jobs

STATISTICS Charity experience opportunities advertised on CareerConnect: 243 opportunities between August 2011-August 2012 19% on same period in previous year

HOW DO I GET A JOB?

ADVERTISED ROLES Advertised roles do exist in the charity sector (see the statistics to your right), but they rarely can compete with the marketing and promotion of other graduate employment options. Youll need to be proactive and search for them online. Sign up for tailored email alerts from some of the recommended vacancy sites in the Resources section. STATISTICS Jobs advertised on CareerConnect: 364 jobs advertised August 2011-August 2012 7% on same period in previous year Jobs advertised on Third Sector Jobs, Guardian Jobs and Charity Job 10,038 jobs advertised Jan-July 2012 28% on same period in previous year

Bear in mind that it usually costs the charity to advertise on these prominent sites, and so they may not invest in this way to fill roles that are short term or more easily filled. Check on charities own websites to see if you can sign up for job alerts directly from them. UNADVERTISED ROLES AND NETWORKING Some organisations may advertise internally (amongst current employees and volunteers) before advertising a vacancy more widely. Volunteering can bring with it access to these kinds of opportunities, as well as knowledge that could prove helpful in interview. If youve volunteered or interned in the past, add those youve worked with on LinkedIn, or drop them an email to let them know youre job hunting. Some roles are filled purely through word of mouth.
Oxford University Careers Service, September 2012, www.careers.ox.ac.uk

It is worth making contacts of your own, and also speculative approaches to charities youd love to work for, to raise your visibility. USING RECRUITMENT AGENCIES A list of specific recruitment agencies for the charity sector is listed in Resources Charities often use an agency for a role that might prove hard to recruit The agencies earn their fee from the employer once they have found a candidate who is awarded the job Some agencies speculatively put forward jobseekers on their books for roles advertised without the use of an agency. If other candidates could have applied without using an agency, the agency fee will usually prove a disadvantage to your application Most specialist agencies do not do this, but researching them is always a good idea They can give the advantage of fantastic industry knowledge, and are incentivised to help you improve your CV and application materials Its fine to sign up with more than one agency (although more than 3 can prove hard to manage!) Keep your agency informed when you get a job or are no longer looking.

TIPS FOR APPLICATIONS Thoroughly research the organisation you are applying to, as well as comparable organisations Consider how you meet their person specification, and map out the evidence you could cite Think how you can evidence your commitment and enthusiasm for the cause concerned Be humble - taking a lower-level job when youre just getting in to the industry is fine. Being above doing certain jobs tends to be an unhelpful approach Be flexible consider what else you could contribute, above and beyond the person specification Be personable and positive how you fit with the team and contribute to the atmosphere is often important

EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS AND EQUALITY

The law protects you from discrimination due to your age, gender, race, religion or beliefs, disability or sexual orientation. Find out where and how you are protected, and what to do if you feel have been discriminated against by visiting: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/Yourrightsandresponsibilities/index.htm Your personal circumstances regarding career choices and whether you should or need to tell a potential employer about your circumstances (e.g. time out from studies owing to depression or health needs) is highly individual. Although there is legislation, you may find it helpful to see a Careers Adviser to talk through your particular circumstances and to decide whether to tell someone about xxx, if yes, when and how to disclose. To arrange to see a Careers Advisor regarding this, please contact our Reception team on reception@careers.ox.ac.uk or telephone 01865 274646. There is often confusion about whether you should be paid to do an internship or work experience. It will depend on your arrangement with the employer and also the status of the employer. To find out if you are entitled to be paid the National Minimum Wage (NMW) when undertaking work experience or an internship visit: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Employees/TheNationalMinimumWage/DG_198089

Oxford University Careers Service, September 2012, www.careers.ox.ac.uk

POSITIVE ACTION INTIATIVES

Many charities will seek to use hallmarks for inclusive practice (such as JobCentre Plus Two ticks for employers positive about disability or Stonewalls Diversity Champions). Specific support for all disabled graduates is available from Scopes Leadership Recruitment scheme and features a number of charities. This encompasses: Graduate employment with: BT Capital One EmployAbility HSBC Bank plc PricewaterhouseCoopers Welsh Assembly Government Graduate work placements with: British Red Cross Society Bromsgrove District Council Capital One London Authority Guide Dogs London Development Agency The Open University Reuters Scope Skill Welsh Assembly Government

For more information email employment.support@scope.org.uk or 01480 309 615

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
There are frequent changes to the rules affecting international students and recent graduates wishing to work in the UK. Non-EU graduates are most likely to gain permission to work under Tier 2 of the Point Based System which will require a job offer, support from an employer, a minimum salary and you will usually need to apply from within the UK. There are also more limited opportunities in other immigration categories. It is recommended that, for the most complete and up-to-date information, you check the UKCISA: UK Council for International Student Affairs website which offers independent information and advice about immigration, finance and working in the UK, and also the UK Border Agency website. Please refer to our Diversity files at the Careers Service for more information, or consult the Universitys Student Information and Advisory Service which can provide specialist immigration advice.

RELEVANT EVENTS
Check CareerConnect for events coming up year round. If theres an event youd like to see, let us know, or if youd like a Careers Adviser to come and speak at a student society or college event get in touch at reception@careers.ox.ac.uk Heres a quick taster of events to keep an eye out for: Michaelmas Term Advertising, PR, Marketing and Media Careers Fair (with talks) 16 October Film shorts: student documentaries on 8 careers: 17 October (including charity careers) Oxford Careers Fair 3 November (charity sector offered free stands) o Careers in Art Administration 3 November o Careers with Social and Community Impact 3 November Jobs and CVs for the Not-for-Profit Sector - 15 November (14:15) Careers in Museums and Galleries - 15 November (17:00)
Oxford University Careers Service, September 2012, www.careers.ox.ac.uk

Hilary Term OUIIP Oxford University International Internship Programme (opens in January, closes February, contains overseas and UK charity roles) International Careers Day (including charities, international development and more) Jobs and CVs for the Not-for-Profit Sector Careers in social enterprise Trinity Term Careers in social enterprise Some of the other major careers events in this field include the following: The Gathering - http://www.gatherscotland.org.uk/ Scotland, February Compass Jobs Fairs - http://www.compassjobsfair.com/ - Social care issues London, November Charity Fair - http://www.charityfair.org.uk/ - June, London Forum 3 - http://www.forum3.co.uk/ - annual recruitment fair in London was cancelled in 2012 due to lack of exhibitors able to commit funding or time to the event at a time of restructuring. It may reappear in future.

RESOURCES AVAILABLE
OXFORD CAREERS NETWORK (OCN) The OCN is a database of Oxford alumni who are willing to be contacted about their career. Read their case studies for behind-the-scenes insights into an organisation or occupation, and contact volunteers for more advice and information via CareerConnect. RESOURCE CENTRE The Careers Service also has an extensive resource centre at 56 Banbury Road, Oxford, where you can drop in to browse during opening hours (visit our website for details). FILES BOOKS Occupational File (green): N1 Charity and Development Work Employer File (red): Charity, Development and Not-for-profit Sector; Voluntary Organisations and Charities, International Institutions

Archaeo-Volunteers: The World Guide to Archaeological and Heritage Volunteering Careers in Non-Profits and Government Agencies, Wetfeet Guide Charity Choice Dictionary of Civil Society, Philanthropy and the Non-profit Sector Directory of Voluntary and Community Organisations Getting into Housing Green Volunteers How to Live Your Dream of Volunteering Overseas International Voluntary Work The Companion to Development Studies The Guardian Guide to Volunteering The Major Charities
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Oxford University Careers Service, September 2012, www.careers.ox.ac.uk

The Virgin Guide to Volunteering Working for Charities Working in Fundraising Working in the Voluntary Sector World Volunteer The World Guide to Humanitarian and Development Volunteering Directory of Voluntary and Community Organisations Worldwide Volunteering for Young People Third Sector Careers Guide 2011

JOURNALS

Voluntary Sector, NCVO, monthly Third Sector: Charities, Voluntary Organisations, Social Enterprise

USEFUL WEBSITES
In addition to the websites listed below, all companies and organisations mentioned throughout this Briefing can be found via a web search. GENERAL VACANCIES AND OCCUPATION INFORMATION www.prospects.ac.uk www.jobs.ac.uk www.economist.com http://jobs.guardian.co.uk/ http://jobs.telegraph.co.uk www.jobs.thetimes.co.uk SECTOR VACANCIES www.charityjob.co.uk Largest sector job site www.jobsincharities.co.uk UK charity job site http://jobs.thirdsector.co.uk Jobs from Third Sector magazine http://www.goodmoves.org.uk/ Job site from SCVO http://www.forum3.co.uk/VisitorJobBoard.aspx Job site from Forum 3 http://www.exec-appointments.com/sector/charity-jobs.ashx For high level professionals www.mango.org.uk Management accounting jobs in humanitarian NGOs. www.insidehousing.co.uk/jobs Jobs in social housing. www.oneworldgroup.org/jobs International charity jobs http://voluntarysectorjobs.co.uk/ http://www.jobsgopublic.com/sectors/11-charities-voluntary http://jobs.guardian.co.uk/jobs/charities/ DATABASES AND DIRECTORIES www.cafonline.org Charities Aid Foundation www.charitychoice.co.uk The encyclopaedia of charities on the internet. www.charity-commission.gov.uk the regulator for charities in England and Wales. www.do-it.org.uk National Volunteering Database http://vinspired.com/ http://timebank.org.uk/ http://www.csv.org.uk/?display=volunteering www.guidestar.org.uk useful resource for researching charities. www.fundraising.co.uk improving the effectiveness of charity and non-profit fundraisers.
Oxford University Careers Service, September 2012, www.careers.ox.ac.uk

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COUNCILS AND INSTITUTES www.ncvo-vol.org.uk National Council for Voluntary Organisations www.scvo.org.uk the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations www.institute-of-fundraising.org.uk the home of professional UK fundraising. OXFORD http://oxfordhub.org/ Oxford Student charity and volunteering hub www.oxnet.org.uk Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action NEWS www.charitytimes.com website of the bi-monthly journal. www.thirdsector.co.uk website of the weekly magazine for non-profit professionals. RECRUITMENT AGENCIES www.c-a-r.org.uk Charity Action Recruitment www.charitypeople.co.uk Charity People www.edenbrown.com Eden Brown, charity and not-for-profit jobs www.harrishill.co.uk Harris Hill Charity Recruitment www.prospect-us.co.uk Prospectus permanent, part-time and temporary jobs. www.tpp.co.uk The Principle Partnership Further agencies specialising in the not-for-profit sector are listed (with websites where applicable) at http://www.workingforacharity.org.uk/links/recruitment.html SOCIAL MEDIA https://twitter.com/#!/OxfordCareers/not-for-profit Search Groups on LinkedIn.com for the Non-profit and charity network, Charity UK group, Non-profit and philanthropic job board, Non profit network, or any of a huge range of more specialist interest groups, such as those dedicated to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

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GENERAL RESOURCES
CAREERS ADVISERS Sometimes you just need a little help whether its feedback on your CV, preparation for interviews, or figuring out what to do next. Our Careers Advisers each have areas of special interest, but share their knowledge so that all can help with initial enquiries, and will make sure you get follow up from a specialist if you need it. Our 15 minute sessions are first-come first-served every weekday at 56 Banbury Road, or you can book on CareerConnect for a 20 minute discussion. Longer sessions are available by referral, and we can give advice by phone or Skype in the vacations too. See http://www.careers.ox.ac.uk/our-services/see-a-careers-adviser. THE CAREERS WEBSITE www.careers.ox.ac.uk is the central source to download all our publications, find links to other useful sites and much more. You can see whats on at the Careers Service, read tips about interviews at different companies, listen to podcasts, and find out what alumni have gone on to do.

CAREERCONNECT
The password protected area of our site is your portal to contact 1,700 alumni mentors, book workshops and advice sessions, upload your CV, download books and search for jobs over 4,695 vacancies were added over the last academic year. To find out more and log-in, see http://www.careers.ox.ac.uk/our-services/careerconnect/. THE RESOURCE CENTRE At 56 Banbury Road you can browse our careers library; read the latest sector periodicals; take away leaflets, booklets and brochures from national careers publishers and see a Careers Adviser there and then. For opening times, see our website at www.careers.ox.ac.uk. E-NEWSLETTER We email out a weekly newsletter in term-time - giving a summary of upcoming events by sector, further study opportunities and ways to boost your CV. Theres always something for everyone, so keep your eye on your inbox!

SOCIAL MEDIA
FACEBOOK Join us at www.facebook.com/oxfordcareers to get reminders of our major events straight to your newsfeed, as well as last-minute news from employers. TWITTER Want to know what those in your chosen field are talking about? Use Twitter to listen in on the conversation, find out about opportunities or ask questions. Start by following us at www.twitter.com/OxfordCareers to get careers related news and tips, and check out our lists to find a ready-made batch of interesting Twitter feeds for your chosen field. Twitter is also a great way of demonstrating your interest in a sector - theres a reason its called micro-blogging!

LINKEDIN
If employers search for your name and university, a LinkedIn page ensures they find what you want them to know. Its a place to showcase your skills and qualifications, and to get publically recommended by those youve worked with. Its also a phenomenal research tool to find people to contact, and learn about the background of those in your ideal job. Theres a tailor-made user guide for students here: http://learn.linkedin.com/students/step-1/.

Oxford University Careers Service, September 2012, www.careers.ox.ac.uk

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