Career Tips from a Charity Champion: Clare Lucas

Clare has been working at Mencap for over 5 and a half years. For the past few years, she has been an Activism Manager (which means that she is responsible for online campaigning and engaging people with a learning disabilities). Clare’s academic background in social sciences and human rights drove her to work in the charity sector; it highlighted some of the wrongs in the world and Clare wanted to find a way to help make things better. Exciting fact? “I used to play the Dame in our village panto- vaguely insulting in hindsight?”

About Mencap:

Everything Mencap does is about people with a learning disability and their families, whether working with them to change laws and services, challenging prejudice or directly supporting thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. Our vision is a world where people with a learning disability are valued equally, listened to and included. Our challenge is to make this world a reality.

“I wanted a job that made me relish going to work because I was making a genuine difference to the lives of others. Having volunteered with charities in the past I knew the satisfaction that came from working in the charity sector and my career, so far, has not disappointed. It is a constant learning experience with new challenges every day that help to stretch me”

How did you get into the charity sector?

“Wanting to make a difference (I know this is what everyone says – but it’s true!). I wanted to work in an area where I was able to have a positive impact and change things for the better. My academic background, voluntary experience and time spent as a support worker has made me acutely aware of some of the injustices in the world and I wanted to do something to overcome them. The charity sector provides the perfect place to do this, especially as a campaigner.”

What made you stay and progress within the sector?

“Two key things have made me want to stay and progress. Firstly, the people I work with; who are some of nicest, smartest and most passionate people I could ever wish to meet. My colleagues with learning disabilities are particularly important in this respect and remind me daily why the work we do is so important. Secondly, the fact that there are always new challenges to be tackled and overcome; no two days are the same.

What’s the one thing that the charity sector provides that you can’t get anywhere else?

“The “feel good” factor. Even if you have had a really tough day, you get got home at the end of it knowing that you’ve done something to try and make life better for the people that we support.”

What is the most valuable lesson that you have learned from working in the sector?

“To trust your gut and stand up for what you believe in, even if the odds seem against you.”

In what way can transferable skills help people transition from the private/public sector to charities & not for profit organisations?

“Strong communication skills and being a team player are two easily transferable skills that would help someone make the move into the not for profit sector.”

What would you say to encourage someone who is considering moving to the charity sector and feels uncertain?

“I would suggest people think about the sort of charities they would like to work for or feel represent their values; there are a lot of charities out there. Saying that, all experience is valuable. It is natural to feel uncertain about a change, especially when it comes to your career, but it will always teach you important things about yourself and give you a clearer focus for the future. You’ll never know if it’s for you unless you try.”

Does your current role resonate with your own values? And how did your values guide you in your career?

“My values are the key guiding force behind my career choices. My current role embodies the values of Mencap but also reflects my personal values – it’s a great feeling to do a job that is representative of what I believe personally and professionally.”

What’s the next step for you? Where would you like your career to go?

“That’s the big question! I’m not sure where my career will end up taking me but I will continue to seek out new challenges that stretch and develop my skills in a forum that allows me to do work that makes a difference.”

Want to put Clare’s advice to the test? Take the first step in shifting to the Charity sector today by looking at the amazing opportunities that CharityJob has to offer…