Working in voluntary and community organisations
On this page
|
|
|
|
|
| End-of-course assessment | No residential school |
Register for the course
This course is available for study in the countries shown. Fees may vary by country.
Summary
The voluntary and community sector is a large, diverse and crucial provider of services contributing to the well-being of people and communities. Many of us will have experienced involvement with voluntary and community organisations, whether as paid staff, volunteers or service users. We can probably name some of the major national or international organisations such as the Red Cross or Greenpeace. We also know about (or participate in) small local groups such as carers’ forums or sports clubs. What is different about working – in paid and unpaid capacities – in these organisations? This course provides some of the skills you’ll need to work in this area. It has a choice of start dates, and you decide how long to take over your studies, from twelve up to twenty-four weeks.
Course content
This course provides an introduction to voluntary and community organisations, and helps develop the skills needed to work in such organisations, whether in paid or unpaid roles. It offers an insight into how the voluntary and community sector differs from other sectors, and the opportunities and challenges this presents for how voluntary and community organisations function. The course will equip you with the important skills needed to function effectively, such as communicating with others; taking part in meetings; working with volunteers or as a volunteer; understanding funding and resources; and stress management.
You will use a variety of learning resources and activities – many of which will be found on the course website – that cover a range of topics and issues linked to your work. Online learning is a major part of this course.
The content of this course includes:
- understanding individual and organisational values and beliefs
- the role of volunteers
- the interests of different stakeholders
- power and empowerment
- communication
- participating in meetings
- resources and sustainability
- dealing with the realities of the sector.
Entry
This is a Level 1 course. Level 1 courses provide core subject knowledge and study skills needed for both higher education and distance learning, to help you progress to courses at Level 2.
This course is for students working (or aspiring to work) as paid members of staff or as volunteers in voluntary and community organisations, such as charity shops, arts organisations, service user and carer groups, health and social care service organisations, youth clubs, sports clubs, environmental groups, and so on. Please note that involvement in a voluntary or community organisation will make it easier for you to complete the assignment.
You do not need any previous qualifications to study this course, but you should have some basic computer literacy and be familiar with using the internet.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the course, please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
Qualifications
B191 is an optional course in our
- BA (Honours) Business Studies (B04)
- BA (Honours) Leadership and Management (B54)
- Certificate in Business Studies (C63)
- Diploma of Higher Education in Business (E42)
- Diploma of Higher Education in Leadership and Management (E43)
- Foundation Degree in Business (G07)
- Foundation Degree in Leadership and Management (G08)
It can also count towards most of our other degrees at bachelors level, where it is equally appropriate to a BA or BSc. We advise you to refer to the relevant qualification descriptions for information on the circumstances in which this course can count towards these qualifications because from time to time the structure and requirements may change.
If you have a disability or additional requirement
Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) versions of printed material are available. Some Adobe PDF components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader and foreign language or diagrammatic materials are particularly difficult to read in this way. Large print versions of the printed course materials can be provided on request. Other alternative formats of the course materials may be available in the future. Our Services for disabled students website has the latest information about availability.
The majority of this course is delivered online through a website and include the use of online activities, forums and resources. If you use specialist hardware or software to assist you in using a computer or the internet and have concerns about accessing this type of material you are advised to talk to the Student Registration & Enquiry Service about support which can be given to meet your needs.
If you are a new student, or new to courses using a computer or the internet, you will need to inform us of your particular needs as soon as possible, as some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange. Details of how to do this and our range of support services are described in our booklet Meeting Your Needs which you can download or request from our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
You can also find information about accessible course materials, financial support and the Disabled Students' Allowance, equipment and other services, on our Services for disabled students website. It also includes our contact details for advice and support both before you register and while you are studying.
Course materials
What's included
Course website, online activities and resources, including the course file, online forums (for chatting to your study adviser and fellow students) and a printed work book.
Computing requirements
This course includes online computer activities – you can access these using a web browser that can play Flash and Shockwave.
You will need internet access and a computer. If you have purchased a new computer since 2002 it should meet your course computing requirements. Check our Technical Requirements section if your computer is older than this or is otherwise unusual.
Teaching and assessment
Study support
Study support will be provided by a moderator-led online forum.
Contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details for this course can be found in the facts box above.
You must use the online eTMA system to submit your end-of-course assessment (ECA).
Future availability
The details given here are for the course that starts in November 2010 and February and May 2011. We expect it to be available four times a year in November, February, May and August.
How to register
To register a place on this course return to the top of the page and use the Click to register button. For more information and advice about registration see OU Study Explained.
About this page
An undergraduate course in Business and Management.
Study explained
- Course
- - a module of study that can count towards a qualification.
- Credit points
- - show how much study is required to complete a course or qualification. One credit point represents roughly 10 hours of study.
- Level
- - indicates how difficult a course is. Undergraduate study starts at Level 1.
- Financial support
- - find out if you qualify for support with your fees with our eligibility checker.
- Study explained
- - all you need to know about studying with the OU.
Got a question?
Contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service
Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90
Browse the prospectus
Request a print prospectus
Share
This PageThe University wishes to emphasise that, while every effort is made to regularly update this site, the material on it is subject to alteration or amendment in the light of changes in regulations or in policy or of financial or other necessity.