I am currently due to complete my temporary work contract on 31st July at a local authority. Prior to that I have worked mainly in the voluntary sector for about 15 years. I am still involved in the sector as a community advocate and volunteer. I have been looking to get back into the 'sector' for the last couple of years now, but to no avail. Why is it so hard to get back in after a little while out (I last worked in the sector in 2017), particularly at senior policy and strategy level? Anybody experiencing the same bad luck? I have years of diverse experience, wide and transferable skills and abilities to offer, but not even getting interviewed.  Am I too old and over-qualified ?? Consultancy is also one area I have looked at, but no luck.

I would love to get back to the sector; to be back working on issues I am passionate about, policy and strategy around equality and inclusion, community engagement, criminal justice and housing & health inequalities. Do you have any suggestions on where to start? Has anyone else returned to work in the sector after having a break and how hard it is to get back?