Third sector

The term ‘third sector’ relates to organisations that are not for profit and non-governmental, in contrast to the public and private sectors [1]. The terms ‘voluntary and community sector’, ‘civil society’ and ‘charities’ are also sometimes used. Many are dedicated to raising awareness and funds for particular health conditions such as cancer, stroke [2], diabetes to name but a few. 

Thinking about working in the third sector? 

If you're considering working in a third sector organisation, the work environment and benefits will vary from organisation to organisation. Some organisations are run on public donations, others on grant arrangements. It's important therefore that you consider the main sources of funding. For example, this may involve working in roles involving short-term contracts and time-limited project-based funding can mean less secure employment.

The benefits however, of working in the third sector - for example flexible working, training and development, remuneration - are similar to those of other sectors. Equally, short-term contracts and time-limited project-based work can be favourable option for many people. 

Find out more by visiting:

• Third sector career information [3]
• Third sector career profiles [4]
• Working for a Charity training courses [5] (aimed at people who are new to the sector or who are considering moving into it)
• Third Sector Jobs [6] (UK & worldwide)
• Guardian Jobs - Charities [7] (worldwide)

You may also find these addtional links helpful: 

• Thirdsector [8] 
  News and resources for the voluntary and not-for-profit sector
• Civilsociety.co.uk [9] 
  Civil Society Media is an independent news, publishing and events company focused entirely on charities and other civil society organisations
• The Charity Commission [10]
  The Charity Commission registers and regulates charities in England and Wales, so it’s their job to make sure all charities meet all their legal requirements 

Find out more about the third sector in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland:

• England

  You can find out more by visiting: 

  • The National Council for Voluntary Action (NCVO) [11]
    The NCVO is the largest umbrella body for the voluntary and community sector in England

  • The Voluntary Sector Health and Care Hub [12]
    The Voluntary Sector Health and Care Hub is the home to a number of websites representing collaborative work between the voluntary and community sector organisations in England and the national systems (Department of Health [13], NHS England [14], Public Health England [15])

• Wales

  You can find out more by visiting:

  • Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVO) [16]
    WCVO represent and campaign for voluntary organisations, volunteers and communities in Wales

  • Welsh Government Third sector [17]
    Partnership forum within the Welsh government focussing on the third sector

  • Health Challenge Wales [18]
    ​Health Challenge Wales is an intiative all about promoting better health and well-being information and activity

  • Wales Community Health Champion programme [19]
    The Community Health Champion programme aims to provide local people with the knowledge, skills and confidence necessary for them to become champions for health in their local community

• Scotland

  You can find out more by visiting:

  • Voluntary Health Scotland [20]  
    The national intermediary and network for voluntary health organisations, working to maximise the impact of the voluntary (third) sector on health improvement and health care in Scotland

  • Community Health Exchange [21]
    Provides information, advice, networking and training opportunities for local groups or organisations working in community-led health
     
  • Community Food and Health [22]
    Works to ensure a healthy diet for all, and informing policy development and delivery through work with communities, policy makers and policy deliverers.
     
  • The Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland [23]
    The vision for Scotland is where people who are disabled, live with long-term conditions, and unpaid carers have a strong voice and enjoy their right to live well

• Northern Ireland

  You can find out more by visiting:

  • Department for Social Development [24] 
    The Department for Social Development has a role in developing Government policy and strategy for working with the voluntary and community sector and promoting collaboration and partnership working.

  • Creating Effective Partnerships between Government and the Voluntary and Community Sector [25] 
    This report published in September 2010, makes a number of key recommendations for practical improvement in the working relationship between government and the voluntary and community sector.

  • Community Development and Health Network [26] 
    The network aims to tackle health inequalities through a community development approach. 

  • Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action [27] 
    The NICVA is a membership and representative umbrella body for the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland. 

  You may also find these additonal links helpful:

  • DSD list [28] 
    A  list of voluntary organisations from the Department for Social Development website. 

  • NI Chest, Heart and Stroke [29]
    involved in care services, health promotion, campaigning and research

  • Action Cancer [30] 
    Works across the whole of Northern Ireland helping to save lives and support people affected by cancer.

  • Aware Defeat Depression [31] 
    Provides support services, education and training.