New Charity Interns project offers internships for over-50’s

The number of people who are economically inactive has risen steeply since the beginning of the pandemic – largely driven by droves of over 50s quitting the workforce.

A new report from the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy select committee blames the exodus on “ageist” organisations that have outdated policies and recruitment processes.

This rings true for Maya Bhose, Founder of Charity Interns – a project that will explore new routes into third sector employment for the over 50’s.

In an article in the ‘i paper’, Maya said, “at the age of 61, I am struggling to get a job. I have great skills, and I’ve held very senior roles in the commercial sector but still, somehow, I am struggling. In the past year, I have applied for over 40 jobs, and I have received just one interview. My CV hasn’t changed. My experience hasn’t changed. I am simply 61”.

Rather than accept the status quo, Maya turned her frustration into a solution. She continued, “the main motivation behind Charity Interns is to stop the waste of talent that is happening across all sectors and do something practical to make older people visible to employers, help them extend their careers, and allow charities to benefit from their skills, knowledge and unique perspectives.”

The project, which is being incubated by the NCVO, aims to help address the sector’s ongoing recruitment and skills shortage by tapping into the 50+ market - an often overlookedand under-utilised talent pool, while countering negative stereotypes around older workers.

The initial pilot programme will run for six months, from October 2023, and will see up to six candidates aged 50 and over, placed on a six-month paid internship with a charity.

The project will formally launch on 29 June 2023 with a live-streamed event. Internship applications for the pilot programme will also open on this date.

Opinion

Internships are generally seen as pathways for younger people to enter work or retrain. However, older workers also need supported routes into the sector. And there’s an abundance of over 50’s with relevant transferable skills and knowledge Looking for meaningful employment.

Charity Interns is a win-win.  It will enable over-50’s to gain valuable third-sector experience (without the worry of age being a barrier), and charities will fill vacancies and benefit from the sharing of ideas across co-generational teams.

Get involved!

The Alzheimer’s Society has been announced as the first of four internship partners. But Charity Interns is looking for three further organisations to take part.

To express your interest in hiring a skilled intern, or to find out more about the project,  visit the Charity Interns website or email maya@charityinterns.com.

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