Skills - third sector

After several years of lobbying the sector has finally persuaded government that a generic body is needed for the third sector in order to develop its skills and qualifications. Although not technically a 'Sector Skills Council', Skills - Third Sector will support the sector in identifying the skills and qualifications the sector needs, and facilitate access to appropriate training and funding programmes.

The new Chief Executive is Julie Wilkes, formerly Chief Officer of Voluntary Action Wakefield, and so is well placed to understand the workforce development needs of local support and development organisations. Julie is joined by Mark Freeman as Learning and Skills Manager and two recently appointed Project Managers. One of the key areas of work is in developing the sector qualification strategy. NAVCA staff have recently met with Skills - Third Sector to explore how we can support their work.

NAVCA has been working with Skills - Third Sector and members to work on how to make the published National Occupational Standards for Development Workers into useful tools and resources.

To find out more visit the new Skills - Third Sector website.