With the UK jobless total reaching a record high, the practice of ‘diversifying’ into the not-for-profit arena to survive tion or not. “No, I don’t know about your organisation, but I’ll look at your website once I’ve got the job description.” This pure ignorance gives allthe recession began to raise its head a year ago. It is now in full flow and shows so sign of abating. Both candidates made redundant from the private sector and agencies whose traditional sectors have dried up look at the not-for-profit world as a place to hang their hat until their favoured professions return to normal service.

Would you consider using a plumber to rewire your house or asking a waiter to cook your dinner? Just because someone has a little knowledge it does not mean they are capable of delivering; for that you need an expert.

It is becoming tiresome to say the least to see yet another agency piling into the not-for-profit sector, desperate to pick up vacancies and clients in that order, not worrying whether they understand an organisation or not

It is becoming tiresome to say the least to see yet another agency piling into the not-for-profit sector, desperate to pick up vacancies and clients in that order, not worrying whether they understand an organisation or not. I don’t know about your organisation, but I’ll look at your website once I’ve got the job description. This pure ignorance gives all recruitment specialists a bad name.

It is becoming tiresome to say the least to see yet another agency piling into the not-for-profit sector, desperate to pick up vacancies and clients in that order, not worrying whether they understand an organisation or not

Everyone is under pressure, but there must be time for essential research before making that call. Especially when trying to break into a new sector.

Why do these agencies think that the not-for-profit sector is easy fodder and requires no previous experience? Times are tough; charities are not immune from the downturn and are cutting back on their staff and holding off filling empty posts just as corporates are. But I wouldn’t be so arrogant to think I could just diversify and start looking at a new sector without carrying out vital, in-depth research beforehand.

So, standing on my soapbox, I say please do your research before canvassing the not-for-profit sector. Do not abandon your principles in order to try and make a quick buck, to then return to your comfort zone once the good times return, leaving specialists to pick up the pieces!

Rob Hayter
Associate director
TPP Not for Profit

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