Here is a great introduction to the charity sector to help budding but unfamiliar volunteers navigate and widen their understanding of the third sector and its diversity. Ainsworth offers an easy to read framework offering clear boundaries for a sector whose edges are often viewed as becoming more porous by the day.
According to the charity commission there are currently over 168,000 charities in England and Wales alone1, not including the tens of thousands of charities who do not have to register due to having an annual income below £5,000. With this is mind, it is unsurprising that clear cut definitions are often hard to come by for the charity sector.
If you need to know only one thing about the sector then it is the word ‘diverse’. Diversity is a key characteristic and strength of the third sector; that comprises charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups, each of whom serve diverse communities and have a wide spectrum of activity. Whilst varying in size, scope and mission statements, their shared constant is always the delivery of essential services and a contribution to UK economic growth.
In 2015 alone, 83% of UK households used a charity service2 , highlighting our nation’s reliance on this valuable sector. With the majority of charities funding coming from ‘voluntary income’ (put simply as donations and core funding grants from Government or other charities) it means that uncertainty in the future abounds as current cuts in public funding increase.
As such, it is important to highlight the vital role volunteers play in supporting the running of, and continued service provision of the third sector. A diverse sector offers diverse job opportunities so, whatever your current career, taking a dip into this area should provide you with valuable skills for the future.
So read up, be inspired and get ready as national volunteer week is just around the corner!
In text references:
1:http://apps.charitycommission.gov.uk/Showcharity/RegisterOfCharities/SectorData/SectorOverview.aspx
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