Recruitment, Education & BusinessEducationCourses & GroupsMature students welcome on course to manage volunteers Mature students welcome on course to manage volunteers
By Jayne Warren - 16/06/2007
Thames Valley University is launching the first ever degree in managing volunteers for the public sector, highlighting the voluntary workforce that underpins the success of so many community and international sporting events. With an increasing volunteer workforce, coupled with an aging population, the degree has been devised to recognise the stoic efforts of thousands of people across the UK - and is especially welcoming mature students.
There will be two new Foundation Degrees starting in September which have emerged in response to requests from the local voluntary sector: one in Managing with Volunteers, and the other in Third (Voluntary) Sector Management. And there will be a half-day conference on June 19th to launch the new course - which will need a minimum of 15 students to run.
Mary Golden, Director of the Public Sector Management Centre at Thames Valley University, spoke to the Mature Times: "We welcome people of all ages, from 18 to 80 plus - in fact the more the merrier! And unless you are between 18-21, there is no need for previous qualifications either (officially called non-standard entry qualifications). For those who are more mature, commitment to their work and experience is far more important to us than qualifications.
"Anyone applying will be seen on an individual basis. We'll offer an interview, either by telephone or face-to-face, and the course sill start in mid-September. The beauty of this course is that we actively encourage those who are in employment in the voluntary sector, because they will need this for their practical assessment work. This is all about hands-on and making things better at the ranch - so to speak."
Subjects covered will include: finance, organisational behaviour, relationship managhment, governance, volunteering for success, issues in the third sector, data research and analysis, business cases and third sector environment. "But not everyone will need to take all the modules" adds Mary.
"For example, if someone is an accountant, then the finance module will not be necessary. And people can apply for credits for studies they have already completed. Everything will be assessed on an individual basis, and although the course officially lasts two years, it can be completed in much less time for mature, experienced people."
The effective management of volunteers is becoming increasingly important with the growing emphasis and demands placed on the public and third sectors, and the degree courses aim to equip managers and potential managers with the relevant and appropriate skills to manage a paid workforce. Both courses have been designed and developed in partnership with the University’s local community, voluntary and public sector colleagues and are aimed at those who want to gain a university qualification while continuing in full-time employment.
So if you have been involved in the voluntary sector, or would like to, why not find out more? Visit the website linked below or call the Ealing Campus on: Tel: 0800 036 8888.