Kaye Brooks, 29
Charities support worker, Nottingham CVS

"The best thing about my job is working to help people who care about others"

So, what do you actually do?

I work with Nottingham Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) helping local charities and voluntary groups develop and also working with local authorities and others so they better understand the sector – and so are more willing to commission services from them. I support organisations in developing standards, systems and skills for them to become ‘fit for purpose’ and to become self sustainable.

Did you need any training or qualifications?

No. The majority of what I have learned has been on the job! I do have a degree in American Studies.

What does your typical day involve?

I am developing an Organisational Health Check to look at where we can support charities, I have written a directory of trainers and consultants, and I have facilitated focus group sessions to discuss the voluntary sector’s relationship with the local authority, and written a report to the deputy leader of the council. I am putting together a resource pack of model policies and procedures for groups to use. Recently I have worked with the CVS to lobby against funding cuts to the sector.

What kind of personality is best suited to this work?

I always try to be friendly, positive and enthusiastic, and it helps that generally I am able to express myself, as well as things like government initiatives, in plain English.

What skills and experience did you need?

It helped that I knew a bit about working in the voluntary sector when I started, but I have been very lucky to learn from people with many years’ experience. The beauty of this sector is that you get to learn as you go.

What’s the most memorable experience you’ve had in this job?

Helping unemployed people make changes through volunteering. Some people may never get back to work but are finding new interests through volunteering. Seeing their skills and confidence markedly improve has been amazing.

What are the best things about your job?

The best thing about my job is working to help people who care about others, working in a place where my colleagues know and care about politics and the environment.

What are your top tips for someone wanting to get into this work?

Be prepared for some tight times. You might not always get paid as much as you would in the private sector, but money doesn’t always bring job satisfaction.

Nottingham CVS
Telephone: 0115 934 8400
Email: ncvs@nottinghamcvs.co.uk
Web: www.nottinghamcvs.co.uk