{"id":6559,"date":"2026-07-14T10:00:33","date_gmt":"2026-07-14T09:00:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.charityjob.co.uk\/careeradvice\/?p=6559"},"modified":"2026-07-14T10:00:45","modified_gmt":"2026-07-14T09:00:45","slug":"what-it-means-to-work-for-a-charity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.charityjob.co.uk\/careeradvice\/what-it-means-to-work-for-a-charity\/","title":{"rendered":"What Does it Really Mean to Work for a Charity?"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":163,"featured_media":12024,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,9148],"tags":[356,9124],"class_list":["post-6559","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-career-advice","category-starting-your-career","tag-career-change","tag-entry-level"],"acf":{"job_search_bottom_form":false,"image":12024,"background":12024,"excerpt":"Wondering if there's something for you in the charity sector? We've broken down the steps you can take to get your foot in the door...","contenttypes":[{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","menu_title":"","content":"Even today, there\u2019s a misconception that if you work for a charity, you\u2019re volunteering or running a charity shop. Many people don\u2019t know just how much they can contribute to the sector. But there\u2019s a wide range of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.charityjob.co.uk\/jobs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">full-time and part-time paid roles<\/a> to match your skills and fit around your lifestyle.\r\n\r\nSo what is charity work, and how will you fit into such a diverse and significant sector? We unveil what it really means to work for a charity, how you can get into the charity sector and how to uncover your next role."},{"acf_fc_layout":"single_image","menu_title":"","image":14947,"image_link":"","image_link_new_tab":false},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","menu_title":"What kind of roles are available in the charity sector?","content":"<h2>What kind of roles are available in the charity sector?<\/h2>\r\nThe charity sector has a lot to offer. Here are some areas that are particularly important:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.charityjob.co.uk\/jobs?keywords=Fundraising\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Fundraising<\/strong><\/a><strong> and <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.charityjob.co.uk\/jobs?keywords=campaigning\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>campaigning<\/strong><\/a><strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0<\/strong>Charities fight for a cause, and a big part of that is educating the public and finding the money to make a real difference.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.charityjob.co.uk\/jobs?keywords=marketing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Marketing<\/strong><\/a><strong>, <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.charityjob.co.uk\/jobs?keywords=communication\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>communications<\/strong><\/a><strong> and <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.charityjob.co.uk\/jobs?keywords=Public+Relations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>PR<\/strong><\/a><strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0<\/strong>Charities need to spread the word about the changes they\u2019re trying to make. From emails to social media, there's always a person behind the messages that you see.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.charityjob.co.uk\/jobs?keywords=it\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Technology and IT<\/strong><\/a><strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0<\/strong>It's important for charities to keep up with the latest tools to drive donations and get more people supporting their cause.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.charityjob.co.uk\/jobs?keywords=Volunteer+Management\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Volunteer management<\/a> \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>Volunteers are key to a charity's success. Organisations need to effectively manage the diverse range of people who donate their time and skills.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<span class=\"TrackedChange SCXW211477720 BCX0\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW211477720 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW211477720 BCX0\">There are plenty of other <\/span><\/span><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.charityjob.co.uk\/careeradvice\/an-employment-overview-of-the-charity-sector-in-the-uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"FieldRange SCXW211477720 BCX0\"><span class=\"TrackedChange SCXW211477720 BCX0\"><span class=\"TextRun Underlined SCXW211477720 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW211477720 BCX0\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">types of charity work<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><span class=\"TrackedChange SCXW211477720 BCX0\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW211477720 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW211477720 BCX0\"> available too<\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"TrackedChange SCXW211477720 BCX0\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW211477720 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW211477720 BCX0\">\u2015<\/span><\/span><\/span>the sector certainly isn\u2019t running short on job opportunities. It\u2019s just about finding your place within it. Many charities are willing to recruit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.charityjob.co.uk\/careeradvice\/career-change-paid-jobs-in-the-charity-sector\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">people from other sectors<\/a>\u00a0who bring a broad range of skills."},{"acf_fc_layout":"single_image","menu_title":"","image":14944,"image_link":"","image_link_new_tab":false},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","menu_title":"How can you play a part?","content":"<h2>How can you play a part?<\/h2>\r\nWhether you\u2019re trying to break free of the private sector and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.charityjob.co.uk\/careeradvice\/six-reasons-why-working-for-a-charity-is-so-rewarding\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">find a job that\u2019s more fulfilling<\/a>, or you\u2019ve discovered your passion through volunteering, there\u2019s a chance for you to work for a charity.\r\n\r\nAnd in this case, the more prepared you are for change the better. So before you start searching for the charity job of your dreams, here are some things to think about:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;"},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","menu_title":"1. Consider what you\u2019re passionate about","content":"<h3>1. Consider what you\u2019re passionate about<\/h3>\r\nThe charity sector is full of people who are fuelled by a desire to truly make a difference. They work with organisations who are dedicated to a cause that is meaningful to them. So before you think about the role that\u2019s made for you, consider what kind of charity you would like to work for.\r\n\r\nDo you want to create a healthier environment, alleviate poverty or support children in war-torn countries? Ask yourself what you\u2019re truly passionate about and this will give you a better sense of direction and allow you to find an organisation whose values and mission statement are aligned with your own.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;"},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","menu_title":"2. Ask: how can I transfer my skills to a charity?","content":"<h3>2. Ask: how can I transfer my skills to a charity?<\/h3>\r\nWe all have\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.charityjob.co.uk\/careeradvice\/top-skills-charities-look-for\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">transferable skills<\/a>. Every job that you\u2019ve had has, in some way, allowed you to enhance your skillset. From communication to project management and team building, there are plenty of skills that you can take from your previous experience and apply within the charity sector.\r\n\r\nNow it\u2019s time to work on presenting yourself, selling those skills and proving that you have the potential to be a valuable addition to a charity.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;"},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","menu_title":"3. Get your foot in the door by volunteering","content":"<h3>3. Get your foot in the door by volunteering<\/h3>\r\nCommit to your decision to find your place in the sector by spending some time volunteering for a charity. Not only will this give you an opportunity to see how charities operate, but you\u2019ll also be able to connect with some new people and potentially\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.charityjob.co.uk\/careeradvice\/volunteer-to-employee\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">work your way into a charity that you care about.<\/a>"},{"acf_fc_layout":"single_image","menu_title":"","image":11242,"image_link":"","image_link_new_tab":false},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","menu_title":"Where can you start?","content":"<h2>Where can you start?<\/h2>\r\nStart by familiarising yourself with the charity sector. There are some amazing organisations that are dedicated to offering their support and expertise to charity professionals such as:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncvo.org.uk\/about-us\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NCVO<\/a><strong>:\u00a0<\/strong>The National Council for Voluntary Organisations champions the voluntary sector by connecting organisations with people, partners and resources that allow them to make a difference. Their website is jam-packed full of the latest sector news and information.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ciof.org.uk\/about-us\/our-vision\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chartered Institute of Fundraising<\/a><strong>:\u00a0<\/strong>The professional membership body for UK fundraising supports fundraisers across the sector through their training courses, membership and annual conferences. If you want to learn the ins-and-outs of fundraising, this is the place to be.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.charityconnect.co.uk\/home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CharityConnect:<\/a> This is the social network for charity professionals. As such, you must already work for a charity to join and contribute to discussions. But if you\u2019re looking to learn more about the day-to-day tasks and challenges faced by those with different job types in the charity sector, this is the place to go.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>"},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","menu_title":"","content":"Hopefully you not understand what charity work is and you have the tools and information you need to start considering if a job in the charity sector <a href=\"https:\/\/www.charityjob.co.uk\/careeradvice\/tips-for-first-charity-job\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">could be your next step<\/a>.\r\n\r\nThink you\u2019re ready to start applying for a charity role? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.charityjob.co.uk\/jobs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Start searching today<\/a> to discover the thousands of jobs available and find the right fit for you.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em>This post was originally published in 2017 and has been updated to ensure relevance and reflect the current job seeker experience.<\/em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;"},{"acf_fc_layout":"article_reading_list","menu_title":"Read next","reading_list_title":"Read next","include_articles":[{"articles_link":8096},{"articles_link":14153},{"articles_link":12712}]}],"keyword":"","related_articles":[{"article":14482},{"article":8669},{"article":10781}]},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.8 (Yoast SEO v28.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What Does it Really Mean to Work for a Charity? | CharityJob Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What is charity work? 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