Press Release

Online Course to Open Doors for Charity Career changers

28 August 2008
           
Charity workers who are looking to change career can now enrol on a comprehensive online course that will give them advice, support and an overview of working for a charity.

Effective Voluntary Sector Management is aimed at people who are looking to make a career move into the charity sector, or who already volunteer and would like to find paid work in this field.

The online course is run by Working For A Charity, a project within NCVO and part of the UK Workforce Hub. It covers essential topics such as fundraising, marketing and financial management. The course is designed to help participants understand the sector, making it easier for them to find a job with a charity.

With the added benefits that people can study in their own time and from home, this course should help to minimise the difficulties frequently experienced by applicants when changing sectors.

Elaine Smethurst, of Working For A Charity, said:

“This innovative course will give a head start to workers who are looking for a charity role.
“It will help new entrants understand the challenges and management issues they are likely to face. An online course is perfect for people who are not able to devote time to attending a daytime course, or who don't want to spend time travelling to central London.”
Susan Tranfield -Thomas, Community Mentor at Age Concern Devon, said:

“This course really enhanced my understanding of the voluntary sector and helped to fill the gaps in my knowledge.

“There is no doubt that doing the course really helped to put my experience as chair of a small, active charity into context, while  opening my eyes to the way other organisations work.

“It has also given me a huge confidence boost with job interviews, as I felt I had a grip of the many issues the panel asked about.

To register for the course, go to www.workingforacharity.org.uk and complete the online form.