Not-for-profit sector losing cardigan brigade label according to new research

Six out of 10 employees working in the commercial sector believe that the not-for-profit sector has shed its ìcardigan brigadeî label and is a sector which can offer strong career prospects. Thatís according to research commissioned by organisers of forum3, the UKís leading recruitment and volunteering event for the not-for-profit sector.



85% of those looking for a career change would consider working in the not-for-profit sector according to the research which polled commercial sector employees working in a range of roles. Three out of four people view charities as the sexiest industry while only 3% would opt to work with housing associations, indicating that housing associations have the most work to do in improving their image to attract and retain the best candidates.

Most of those polled state their reasons for wishing to work in the not-for-profit sector as being able to progress a career whilst helping a greater cause (72%). In fact 59% of people say that recent world events such as the London bombings, South East Asia tsunami and Live8 have caused them to consider working in the charity sector.

Pay remains the biggest barrier to attracting the best people, putting off a staggering 70% of commercial sector workers. However if pay levels were equal the majority (90%) would consider progressing a career in the charity sector. Almost half (43%) would be reluctant to apply for a role owing to a lack of experience in the field.

Deborah Hockham, project director for forum3 comments:

ìItís immensely encouraging to see that the not-for-profit sector is finally losing its cardigan brigade label and being viewed as a sector which can offer strong prospects. However it is clear the sector has its work cut out in combating a number of misperceptions. As pay gaps have narrowed, and in many areas not-for-profit pay scales have become fully aligned with those in the commercial sector, the sector clearly needs to raise awareness of, and promote this message.

She continues:
ìFurthermore, while wanting to make a difference isnít enough in itself to carve a career, experience in the sector is not always necessary as more and more organisations recognise the value of commercial experience. While events such as forum3 can help to bridge this perception gap, the sector must take responsibility for this issue on an ongoing basis if it is to attract and retain the best candidates.î