TPP Not for Profit present a guide on getting your first charity job.

1. A Guide to
Getting a Charity Job
TPP Not for Profit

2. What is the third sector?
The Third Sector includes organisations that are not-for profit and non
governmental, as distinguished from the Public and Private Sectors. It is also
referred to as the voluntary, community, non-profit or civic sector.
There are currently over 181,000 charities in the UK today, employing around
778,000 paid workers.
Although there is certainly plenty of opportunity in the third sector, getting a first
job in a charity, particularly in the current economic climate, can be challenging.

3. There is a wide variety of charities in the sector, providing services in different
areas:
Number of organisations by category
0 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 30,000 35,000
Social services
Religion
Grant-making foundations
Playgroups and nurseries
Scout groups and youth clubs
Village halls
International
Housing
Employment and training
Charities also vary greatly in size, with most being small organisations-89% of
charities have an annual income of under £100,000. However, the larger
charities employ the greatest number of staff.

4. Why work in the third sector?
“This Government values the economic and social contribution of Britain’s
charities, social enterprises and voluntary organisations, and the extraordinary
work individual people do to improve the lives of others and of the most
disadvantaged. It is the sector’s commitment and ability to support and
mobilise people across the country that puts it at the very centre of our mission
to deliver better public services and build the Big Society.“
- Nick Hurd – Minister for Civil Society

5. There are currently over 181,000 charities in the UK today, employing around
778,000 paid workers. What’s more, new organisations and initiatives are
coming into being all the time, creating new charity jobs and an ever-rising
demand for new talent.
One major attraction is the quality of life you get in the sector
Not-for-profit organisations have been quick to realise the merits of a good
work-life balance, and they often offer much more flexible working conditions
than the private sector, as well as the increased job satisfaction of knowing you
are making a positive contribution to society.

6. Opportunities for career progression are huge
Especially now that the not-for-profit arena is so diverse. Skills such as
strategic thinking, project management, fundraising and public relations, which
are core to many voluntary organisations, are now easily transferable
throughout the sector. However, jobs are still in high demand and this sector is
very competitive.
Our advice if you are looking to enter the sector is to consider your
options first.
Think about what kind of work you’d like to do, and how this correlates with
your existing skills. Be flexible and patient. Take time to explore all the options.
Then, once you’ve decided on an area, draw up a logical plan.

7. What should I consider?
Consider your existing skills and previous experience. There is a huge range of
organisations in the not for profit sector, requiring employees with a wide
variety of skills.
There are some big skills and knowledge gaps that many voluntary sector
organisations need to address. These include:
– Strategic IT expertise
– Legal knowledge
– Strategic planning & thinking
– Health & safety
– Marketing
– Leadership experience & expertise
However, almost any set of skills will be relevant for some organisations within
the sector.

8. Think about your interest and passions
Charities prefer to employ staff who genuinely believe in their mission, so they
remain motivated and enthusiastic. Looking for jobs that fit both your existing
skill set and your interests will increase your chances of finding a role, as well
as making your time in the sector more rewarding.
Be prepared to be flexible in your requirements
When looking for a job in the third sector, you’ll need to balance traditional
considerations such as salary, size of organisation and job title, against more
intangible benefits like increased job satisfaction, improved benefits and a
better working environment.

9. Gain experience in the sector
Review ways in which you can gain experience of the third sector and your
chosen type of organisation. Volunteering, temping or contract work, and
becoming a trustee are all ways in which to make yourself much more attractive
to prospective employers.
Find out more about volunteering with TPP Not for Profit
Find out more about temping with TPP

10. What kind of work can I do?
These are the main recruitment areas for not for profit organisations:
– Service delivery roles – these roles are at the interface between the
organisation’s mission and the people who access the service, for
example social work, counselling
– Volunteer management and co-ordination
– Charity management, finance & administration
– Marketing, communications and campaigning – organisations rely on
getting their message across using different methods such as major
public events and through the media.
– Support services such as IT, facilities, secretarial
– Infrastructure roles – there is considerable infrastructure set up to
support and regulate this sector, for example, the Charity Commission
– Human resources
– Policy & research
– Executive-level staff
– Fundraising

11. There is no doubt that a career in the third sector can be rewarding and
stimulating and can offer an employee the chance to not only make the present
a better place, but to also be part of shaping the future.
Find out more about working with TPP at www.tpp.co.uk
Browse our latest charity jobs
Read our career advice articles

12. What roles does TPP cover?
TPP Not for Profit recruits for:
– Senior and executive jobs in charities
– Fundraising jobs in charities
– Finance and accountancy jobs in charities
– Office and specialist support jobs in charities
– HR jobs in charities
– Marketing and communications jobs in charities
– Healthcare jobs in charities, GP practices and hospitals
– Social care and housing jobs in charities and care homes
– Education and training jobs in charities

13. About Us
The Charity Recruitment Specialist – TPP Not for Profit
TPP Not for Profit are a recruitment consultancy specialising in placing
jobseekers in not for profit organisations. Established in 1996 as The Principle
Partnership, we use our experience, specialist knowledge of the sector and
shared values and principles to guide our candidates throughout their careers.
“Our convictions guide everything we do and our staff are committed to driving
them through every aspect of our business, using them as the foundation
stones on which to build mutually beneficial relationships with you. Our aim is
that when you use TPP, our principles shine through in the service you
receive.”
Jayne Morris
Chief Executive Officer

14. Our Divisions
All our consultants are sector specialists, able to offer the best advice and service to
our candidates. TPP’s divisions cover the full breadth of charity roles:
Senior Appointments 020 7198 6060 executive@tpp.co.uk
Fundraising & Development 020 7198 6040 fundraising@tpp.co.uk
Marketing & Communications 020 7198 6030 communications@tpp.co.uk
Finance & Accountancy 020 7198 6050 finance@tpp.co.uk
Human Resources 020 7198 6020 hr@tpp.co.uk
Office & Specialist Support 020 7198 6020 officesupport@tpp.co.uk
Education & Training 020 7198 6090 education@tpp.co.uk
Healthcare 020 7198 6080 healthcare@tpp.co.uk
Social Care 020 7198 6070 socialcare@tpp.co.uk