• Sign in Join CharityConnect
  • About us
  • Terms of Use
  • Community standards policy
  • Privacy Policy

Powered by

Conversations
Back

The charity network that helps you shine.

Join 19,246 professionals and find your community in the UK charity sector.

Join CharityConnect

Volunteer vs Pro-Bono in Senior Roles – Does the Wording Matter in Applications?

Recruitment

Anonymous user Posted 4 days ago

Good afternoon, 
This is my first post and I hope that this the right place to ask.   A bit of background, I am currently leading an organisation wide Learning and Development Programme for a branch of a national charity.  The role is unpaid but sits at leadership level, involving establishing the L&D function, programme design, delivery across 80+ staff, induction of evaluation frameworks and implementation of centralised tracking systems. 
When presenting this experience on my CV, I am considering whether to describe it as volunteer, pro-bono, pro-bono leadership role, or simply list the role title and clarify the basis elsewhere. 
My question is:  In your experience, does the term "volunteer" risk unintentionally diluting senior level scope when applying for paid leadership roles.  Or does the substance and impact of the work what ultimately carries weight. 
Which one would you use or alternative suggestions.  
I would value insight from those involved in recruitment or hiring in the charity sector. 
Thank you. 
Report
{{postCtrl.totalLikes}} Like
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Whatsapp

Optional. An image can be added at the top of the comment. Images must be in PNG, GIF or JPG format.

No responses yet. Be the first to reply!

{{ctrlComment.postTotalComments}} responses

Load more responses
See previous comments
See new comments

Related posts

Recommendations for recruitment firms

Avani Bedi

Recruitment & HR

Appointing trustees and the trustee eligibility declaration form

Shaun Higgins

Recruitment & HR

Occupational health for small charities- your views?

Victoria Bakare

Recruitment & HR

Do you have any experience with death in service benefits?

Peter Lyster

Recruitment & HR

What employee benefits does your charity offer?

Isabel Love

Recruitment & HR

  • About us
  • Privacy
  • Community standards policy
  • Terms
  • Advertise with us

Powered by

© 2026 JobLadder

Report an issue

Help us keep CharityConnect safe and friendly by reporting spam or abusive behaviour.

What's the issue with this content?

How is this content abusive or harmful?

Report an abusive behaviour

Likes

{{ item.userName }}

{{ item.userName }}

{{ item.userJobTitle }} at {{ item.userOrganisationName }}

Show More

Likes

{{ item.userName }}

{{ item.userName }}

{{ item.userJobTitle }} at {{ item.userOrganisationName }}

Show More
{{ msg }}

Sign in

Like this? You'll love what we've got inside. Sign in to like this post and see more

Forgot password

Don't have an account? Join CharityConnect today.

Likes

{{ item.userName }}

{{ item.userName }}

{{ item.userJobTitle }} at {{ item.userOrganisationName }}

Show More