Voluntary and Community Sector organisations are operating in an ever-changing environment, facing problems of short-term and insecure funding.
Terms and conditions generally range from close to the average to the very minimum. Yet some offer better than most with longer maternity leave or annual leave entitlements. Others can offer better flexibility and more development opportunities. Over one third of staff are based in establishments with 10 staff or fewer; typically organisations without a specialist personnel department.
Part time working and temporary contracts are slightly more common in the voluntary sector than in other sectors (10.8% of staff are on temporary contracts, compared to 4.9% in the private sector). Many voluntary sector workers opt for temporary contracts more out of necessity than choice – almost 30% of those on temporary contracts in the VCS said they wanted permanent status, compared to 24% for the whole economy.
Recruitment is a major issue for the sector, according to the NCVO, with 47% of voluntary and community organisations experience problems recruiting paid staff. This is especially the case for care workers, project and support workers and problems are mainly due to skills shortages.
This isn't the same everywhere in the sector though. The Voluntary and Community Sector relies heavily on the skills, commitment, motivation and enthusiasm of its staff and volunteers. These things are all what makes the sector unique, but should not be at the expense of decent terms and conditions.
