The Well Placed is looking for mid-life marketers to fill third-sector skills gaps

In June 2023, we posted a blog about Charity Interns, an NCVO-incubated recruitment scheme that aimed to help address the skills shortage in the third sector by tapping into the 50+ market.

The ‘proof of concept’ pilot, which ran from October 23 to April 24, saw six people with no prior charity experience take up six-month placements at Age International, Age UK, British Heart Foundation, Disability Equality Scotland, and the Alzheimer’s Society. 

And, to quote the impact report, ‘it was a resounding success.’

Four of the six participants secured long-term charity roles before the pilot finished, proving that commercial skills are both transferable and valuable to the sector.

Relaunch

Building on the success of the pilot, Charity Interns has relaunched as The Well Placed, a not-for-profit community interest company, and it’s on the hunt for a new batch of mid-life job seekers.

On its website, the CIC says; ‘we’re in search of individuals motivated to channel their expertise into the charity sector, particularly those with transferable marketing skills eager to contribute to marketing or fundraising initiatives.

If you possess strong communication abilities, a knack for creativity, and the flexibility to adapt to new challenges, you’re exactly who we’re looking for.’

What’s on offer?

• a paid, six-month placement at a well-known UK charity

• bespoke training on the charity landscape and culture

• monthly peer-to-peer learning sessions

• ongoing mentoring support

Why apply?

Think an internship is a step back? Or a waste of time? Think again.

Stella Beale joined Alzheimer’s Society on a six-month internship in October 2023 as part of the Charity Interns pilot and secured a permanent fundraising role at the charity.

Of the scheme, she says “working at Alzheimer’s Society has helped me to gain a great insight into how the charity sector works and how a well-run charity operates. I have enjoyed using my experience to work for an organisation whose purpose resonated with me and would encourage any experienced marketers looking to break into the charity sector to sign up with The Well Placed.”

And Mills Leney, a fellow Charity Interns candidate also reaped the rewards.

“I applied to the pilot because I had worked in Advertising and Broadcast Media for over 20 years and fancied branching out.

I wanted to restore my confidence in being an “older” employee after a brief career break and prove to myself and others that I am able and employable.

My 6-month placement as a Communications Intern within the Volunteering Team at Age UK has done wonders for my confidence. I know I am capable, but sometimes I need reminding.

If you are reading this and wondering if you should apply or not. Go for it. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.”

Ready to apply?

You can access the application forms here.

But you’d better get cracking as the deadline is July 12.

The interviews will take place in September and placements will start in November 2024.

Want to optimise your application? We can help. Give us a call on 0203 750 3111 or email info@bamboofundraising.co.uk to get started.