We believe: In our role to support Inclusive Growth
What we believe
We believe CSOs can be helped to employ more people and that we have a role to play in supporting Inclusive Growth
Even though in many countries Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) are a significant employment provider, their importance as employers are often under-valued by policy makers when considering employment measures. Yet, CSOs offer quality employment and deliver services and objectives of general interest that can help reduce unemployment levels.
Europe has adopted a high-level strategy known as EU2020 which will focus efforts around three core headings. One of which is the Inclusive Growth Agenda. ENNA believes that our sector can contribute in a positive manner in regards to this and other EU 2020 objectives, as well as being a job creator in times of rising unemployment.
Europe has adopted a high-level strategy known as EU2020 which will focus efforts around three core headings. One of which is the Inclusive Growth Agenda. ENNA believes that our sector can contribute in a positive manner in regards to this and other EU 2020 objectives, as well as being a job creator in times of rising unemployment.
New Skills for New Jobs for Civil Society
We believe that civil society should feature in New Skills for New Jobs
Due to rising unemployment, it is considered important to maximise employment opportunities regardless of the economic sector from which they emanate. The Commission has made it clear in its Agenda for New skills and New jobs, that a number of efforts need to be put in place in order to match labour market supply and demand. It is therefore ENNA's opinion that CSOs should be included in the agenda, seeing that CSOs employ millions of Europeans, offering quality job opportunities that benefit the European societies.
Forecasting is key to meet 21st Century challenges
Civil society actors should be supported to define future trends
CSOs need to be better at predicting future Human Resource (HR) needs and they also have to face other challenges of the 21st century. This means, amongst others, to become experts in the use of new ICT tools, as well as following requirements on reporting, stipulated by official and/or private donors.
In addition, CSOs have to be on top of the continuous legislative developments in the given country or at EU level. If this is happening, CSOs will be better suited to participate in public debates, and thereby making their voices better heard. This is important in an era where CSOs also deliver social services alongside, or even in replacement of, governmental services.
A final important point is that the economic crisis is placing a strong emphasis on cost efficiency and cost cutting. This is a reality which Civil society must take into account: CSOs must operate more efficiently than ever before, whilst simultaneously demonstrate a great social impact.
In addition, CSOs have to be on top of the continuous legislative developments in the given country or at EU level. If this is happening, CSOs will be better suited to participate in public debates, and thereby making their voices better heard. This is important in an era where CSOs also deliver social services alongside, or even in replacement of, governmental services.
A final important point is that the economic crisis is placing a strong emphasis on cost efficiency and cost cutting. This is a reality which Civil society must take into account: CSOs must operate more efficiently than ever before, whilst simultaneously demonstrate a great social impact.
We believe some core skills are already known
ENNA believes core competences need to be developed for future CSO volunteers and professionals in a coordinated manner
The general reduced spending of the Public sector has a great impact on the works of CSOs and they must now more than ever harness limited resources more efficiently. One way to do this is by improving the skills of the CSOs proffessionals and volunteers. ENNA sees that a strengthening of skills in the following areas would be beneficial:
- ICT
- Project Management
- Relationship and Partnership-working
- Evaluation and Impact Measurement
- Budgeting and Accounting
- Fundraising
- Communications and Public Relations
- ICT
- Project Management
- Relationship and Partnership-working
- Evaluation and Impact Measurement
- Budgeting and Accounting
- Fundraising
- Communications and Public Relations
CSOs as employers supporting inclusive growth
Building links between CSO action and the EU Inclusive Growth Agenda
The EU listened to the voice of the Civil Society by including a stronger social dimension in the EU2020 strategy. The Inclusive Growth Agenda set by the EU is something that also is at the centre of every CSO agenda. Ambitious targets have been set in this agenda, and CSOs will have a key role to play to support efforts to reach these figures. CSOs are usually innovative and inclusive organisations and it is important to use this expertise in helping the EU reach its target of a 75% employment of the working age population.
ENNA supports the development of an equalities economy
We believe in tackling discrimination through employment in CSOs
There is a clear link between discrimination and inability to access the labour market. It is therefore important that CSOs are not a source of discrimination in employment. Many of the CSOs are leading in work against racism, sexism or other forms of discriminatory behaviour. This line of work should be further promoted.
Tackling youth employability challenges through employment in CSOs
CSOs have to be a source of hope to ensure Europe's youth are not a lost generation
The younger part of the work force was the first to experience the realities of the economic crisis. This was mostly due to their flexible contracts and their experience. CSOs should be supportive in the challenges this situation offers. EU Member States are at the moment implementing regulations that should help the situation, and the CSOs should be on top of the latest legislative developments on this part.
CSOs can also be an important employer of young people, often offering employment opportunities in alignment with young people's need to work in ethical work places. Recent studies highlight the desire of younger people to “make a difference”, which is often the raison-d'etre of CSOs, regardless of sector or field of interest.
CSOs can also be an important employer of young people, often offering employment opportunities in alignment with young people's need to work in ethical work places. Recent studies highlight the desire of younger people to “make a difference”, which is often the raison-d'etre of CSOs, regardless of sector or field of interest.
