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Volunteer coordinator: Career development

Volunteer coordinator has gained increased recognition as a profession within its own right, which has been further supported by different sectors recognising the value and relevance of this area of work to their business or industry (particularly through corporate social responsibility). More organisations/companies are placing an emphasis on giving something back to the local community, often in the form of employee volunteering, and thus more opportunities are becoming available across sectors for volunteer coordinators. Growth has enabled volunteer coordinators to work alongside specialists in other fields, develop new skills and establish programmes to meet the needs of other sectors with different approaches and outlooks towards volunteering. The 2012 Olympic Games will significantly raise the profile of volunteering within the UK and potentially open up new opportunities for volunteers and volunteer coordinators alike.

Although roles within the voluntary sector generally offer good opportunities for personal development, with many volunteer coordinators also having responsibility for fundraising and office management, promotion prospects are usually limited. Few volunteer coordinators would anticipate continuing in the role with the same organisation beyond three years, but movement is often sideways rather than upwards. Those working in the voluntary sector tend to move between organisations, although with more companies buying into corporate social responsibility (CSR), there is now more movement between sectors and opportunities to develop new skills.

With a couple of years' experience, volunteer coordinators can take on strategic responsibility to become volunteer managers. Moving into management often involves a loss of client contact and operational involvement, which may not appeal to some. Headship and directorship is possible with several years of strategic and managerial responsibility.

AGCAS

Written by Andrea Rannard, AGCAS

Last updated:

June 2009

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