Jobs and Careers Winter 2020/21 - 268

I

f helping others is vital to your sense of job satisfaction,
then working for a charity could be the ideal career
choice. The charity or " third " sector (ie, not private or
government) can offer rich rewards beyond the numbers
on your payslip as well as a wide range of opportunities.
With more than 180,000 registered charities in England
and Wales (and thousands more in Scotland and Northern Ireland),
you're sure to find one whose cause you believe in, whether you're
passionate about animal welfare, medical research, the care of elderly
people, provision of safe water, preserving sites of historical importance
or any one of hundreds more issues.
The sector employs around 850,000 people, so you're bound to find a
role that fits with your interests and skills. But while many of those who
work for non-profit organisations are motivated by the possibility of
making a positive difference, that doesn't mean the financial rewards are
insignificant. Although volunteering is a big part of the charity sector,
there are thousands of well-paid jobs too, and charities also have a
reputation for being good employers, with high staff retention rates.
Many third sector organisations also offer flexible working options and
plentiful opportunities for training and career development.

Charity's challenge
There's no doubt that charities have been hit particularly hard by the
pandemic. Loss of earnings has had an impact on donations, both from
individuals and companies, while many major fundraising events such
as the London Marathon were cancelled. Charities have also found that
distancing guidelines have prevented them delivering their services
- just as the demand for them was rising in many cases, thanks to the
pandemic's effect on mental and physical health, as well as poverty.
There have been some high-profile wins though, such as Captain
Tom Moore's walking efforts that raised nearly £33m for NHS charities.
Surveys suggest that, overall, people intend to keep donating or return
to their previous charitable habits once we banish Covid - and in a
post-virus world, charities will need dedicated workers more than ever.

" The charity
really sees the
potential in
everybody "
Deborah Legg
is wellbeing
team manager
for Depaul UK
" I began my
career at Depaul
initially by
volunteering.
I was so inspired by the young
people and the values of Depaul that
when a permanent post became
available, I applied for it. I have never
regretted making that decision.
" I am currently employed
as the wellbeing team leader,
overseeing a team of three
wellbeing regional managers. The
team promotes positive mental
health coping strategies for clients,
volunteers and staff through
various practices that empower
people to take control of their own
mental health and wellbeing.
" Creative and innovative thinking
is wholly supported across the
organisation and I have been
encouraged by my managers over
the years as the ethos is for everyone
to reach their full potential.
" Covid-19 has challenged the
team to find different ways to
communicate with clients, staff
and volunteers. At times, there
really is no substitute for face-toface human connection; knowing
that people are struggling and not
being able to offer the support
they need has challenged us all
throughout these difficult months.
" I enjoy being able to work with
people whose core values are
centred around serving our clients.
The charity sees the potential in
everybody, believing that we are
all equal and that given the right
circumstances we can all thrive
and lead fulfilling lives. It really
feels like my second family. "

268 /// JOBS & CAREERS

266 JC Autumn 2020 Charity FINAL.indd 268

01/12/2020 15:03
Jobs and Careers Winter 2020/21

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Jobs and Careers Winter 2020/21
