Getting Started
Find out about the UK social sector, organisations that might help you build a portfolio, resources to help you understand this new world, and links to volunteer sites and specialist recruiters and consultants
Learning about the UK social sector
Making sense of the social sector can be hard even if you have worked in the sector for some years. Read our brief guide designed to help demystify the world of charities, social enterprises, voluntary and community groups, housing associations and more.
Useful resources
Below are a selection of resources to help you make sense of the social sector starting out. Or, you could contact us and we will try and help.
The different forms of not-for-profit
The social sector contains a mind-boggling array of different legal forms, and you will need to become familiar with the pros and cons or each. The National Council of Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) has produced a short guide.
Do you want to set up a charity of your own?
The government’s Charity Commission has a series of helpful step by step guides.
Or do you want to set up a social enterprise?
Social Enterprise UK has produced a smart guide .
Is it risky being a Trustee or Director?
Lawyers Russell-Cooke LLP, experts in the charity sector, have some thoughts and advice worth reading.
How do I assess charity performance?
Though charities and social enterprises must be financially viable, performance is not just about money - it is about leadership, strategy, governance and most of all social impact. Charity sector think-tank NPC have provided a useful look at these and other performance criteria.
Organisations that might be useful to you
Our aim and ambition is to help bring the best talent into the social sector, with a special focus on the portfolio careerist. This website is aimed at supporting you, but we are not alone. Here is a selection of other organisations who might be of interest.
Cranfield Trust
Cranfield Trust is a national charity and one of the UK's leading providers of pro bono business support for the voluntary sector. Their volunteers work with charity leaders, offering support with everything from planning their business strategy to producing a realistic marketing plan.
NCVO
Apart from being the ‘voice’ of organisations in the charity sector, NCVO runs an accreditation system for consultants who want to be included on their authorised list.
Pilotlight
Pilotlight is an award-winning charity that connects Pilotlighters (their business members) with charitable organisations, to unlock solutions that help charities become more effective and sustainable.
Finding volunteering, interim, consultancy and paid jobs in the social sector
Follow these links to find out about paid jobs and consultancy roles, and volunteer websites
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