Dear Darling…

Sorry John, I disagree about lowering the tax rate being a major step forward for many families.
Its a step forward for richer families, a step back for poorer families who will have a higher tax bill than they had this year.
The 10% rate has DOUBLED to 20%. The reduction from 22% to 20% only offsets the increase if earning a decent wage. Part-time workers and lower wage earners will see a reduction in net income due to higher tax payments.

I do however agree that decoupling gift aid from the tax rate can cause problems in the future.

Regarding fundraiser shortage - I tend to see some jobs readvertised again and again.
Some charities might be great to work for - except if you are a fundraiser.
Some of my friends in the profession have had jobs lasting as few as 3 weeks because the organisation doesn't know what to do with a fundraiser, doesn't really want them and resents them trying to get changes made (like getting a business plan written and trying to make a fundraising strategy rather than getting money in quickly).

Looking at the job adverts I see regularly, few are for people with no fundraising experience. Makes me wonder if the charities are making it harder to get people to become fundraisers.
I mean its not like we have the most stress-free job around. I hate the stress of the job but love getting a £10K cheque (not payable to me).
Perhaps more charities should be willing to take risks on new fundraisers - with appropriate training, can be a cheap asset to the organisation.

Now what I'm looking for is another fundraising job within public transport range of home. Found just 1 to apply to in the last 4 months!
Don't know about in other areas of the country, but here in the Black Country there don't seem to be many low level fundraising jobs advertised.

Martin

Three of my client's small charities have advertised for fundraisers recently, using most of the channels available including the Guardian. Yet all of them have gone into second rounds, and only one has found the person it wanted, who happened to be the only suitable applicant.

A while ago the huge number of adverts for fundraisers seemed to draw in many more young people to the profession. A whole raft of courses and qualifications grew and grew, including the Institute of Fundraising’s excellent Certificate in Fundraising; but it appears that those taking the courses were fundraisers who were already in the profession, and new talent was slow in joining the sector.

There seems to be a disjuncture here between what I hear from a privileged viewpoint sitting on committees i.e. that we are attracting new bright young talent, and the practical reports from the field that there are no fundraisers to be found.

Are the number of jobs outstripping new entrants to the field?

Has anyone got a clue? Or even a useful opinion?